Final answer:
Ricardo can give Ben directions using identifiable landmarks, luminous points like a lighthouse, or other features that are visible at night such as a house of refuge or celestial objects like stars or the moon.
Step-by-step explanation:
To guide Ben to Ricardo's house after dark, Ricardo could provide simple directions focusing on identifiable landmarks, luminous points like a lighthouse, or other features that stand out at night. For example, Ricardo could tell Ben to follow the wide, straight road akin to a city street, flanked by a wall of trees, until reaching a point on the horizon where it narrows, indicating perspective, similar to the descriptions in the references provided. If there’s a known landmark like a lighthouse, as mentioned, Ricardo could use its light as a directional beacon for Ben to head towards.
Additionally, if the area has a house of refuge or any notable building that can be seen from a distance, as the cook and the captain discussed, that could be used as a point of reference. For example, Ricardo could tell Ben, "After you pass the wide, straight road with trees on both sides, look for the house of refuge that becomes visible as the land arises from the sea."
Last but not least, making use of celestial navigation, like following a bright star or the moon, may also be helpful, especially if artificial landmarks are not as prominent. Thus, providing a combination of these navigational cues would help Ben find his way in the absence of conventional signs.