twelve
o'clock
`` And could you ? '' I said eagerly . `` Yes ; it began to come slowly more and more , till it was about half out , and then the sick feeling that had come over me again got worse and worse , and the hook and the great dark warehouse place swam round , and I did n't know any more till I opened my eyes as I lay on the leaves , staring at a great wet dirty rag hanging on that hook , and I was able to breathe freely now . `` I felt so much better that I could think more easily ; but I was very miserable , for I got thinking about you two , and I knew I must have been there a very long time , and that the schooner was to sail at twelve o'clock , so I felt sure that you would go without me , and think I 'd been frightened and would n't come . '' `` That 's what I did think , '' said Gunson ; `` but Mayne Gordon here stuck up for you all through . '' `` Thankye , Mr Gordon , '' said Esau , who was gently chafing his wrists . `` That 's being a good mate .