nearly midnight
When morning came he could decide what to do . So , for the time being , he became a life saver , and pulled on the long rope attached to the wagon until his arms ached . It was heavy hauling through the sand , and his feet seemed like lead . It was nearly midnight when the cove was reached , and after a desperate struggle the life-boat was launched . `` Some of you go back and get ready to operate the breeches buoy as soon as it 's light enough ! '' called Captain Needam , as the boat was pulled away over the heaving billows toward the wreck , which could be seen in the occasional glare of a rocket or signal light . `` Might as well come back , '' said George Tucker to Larry .