midnight
When he did give reply , it was in a rich rolling voice , a luxurious voice which would have given ornament to the veriest common-place . `` Oi 'd take him aboard , bedad , '' he shouted , leaning back as though he had spoken wisdom , and then he nodded to the Captain , and the Captain nodded to him . The understanding seemed complete . `` We sail at midnight , tide serving , '' said the Captain , as he picked up the miniature and the other things ; `` you can come aboard when you like -- here , boy , lock these in the chest . '' The boy put out his hand to take the things , but in his fear or his clumsiness , he dropped the miniature , and it cracked upon the floor . The mishap gave me my first real opportunity of judging these men in the depth of their ruffianism . As the lad stood quivering and terror-struck , Black turned upon him , almost foaming at the lips .