About one in the morning
They knew that if a breeze sprang up Cartier meant to take advantage of it , and steal out of the harbour . One singer after another grew weary , and towards midnight only a few intermittent notes broke the stillness . Soon all was silent as the grave , save for the occasional cry of some animal prowling in search of food upon the shore . About one in the morning a gentle breeze swept across the water from the land . A silent signal passed between Cartier 's vessels , and instantly dark forms moved hither and thither about their decks . No sound was heard , but preparations were being made to sail immediately . It was impossible to raise the anchors without alarming De Roberval ; so the cables were quietly slipped , the sails were as quietly hoisted , and the three vessels swung round simultaneously , swept within a hundred yards of De Roberval 's ship , and bore away for the harbour mouth .