About half past seven
The Jolly Rovers were up bright and early on Wednesday morning , and in default of bread or crackers they made some cakes out of flour and water , and relished them , too . It was a strange coincidence that the provisions should have lasted just until this time . With the exception of a little oatmeal the jars were quite empty . About half past seven the Pioneer led the way down stream , proudly shaking the faded pennant to the breeze , and soon the mouth of Indian Cave was far behind . The creek was now barely a foot above its normal level , but this was quite sufficient to make a swift current , and the mile after mile , bend after bend fell behind the flashing paddles of the Jolly Rovers . At ten o'clock they reached the first familiar landmark -- Roop 's Dam -- and the home coming began to seem a reality indeed . The Susquehanna was six miles distant as the crow flies , but almost thrice six by the snaky curvatures of the channel down which they were making their way .