about two o'clock in the morning
Several bits of iron were lashed to the lower end of the cask , to make it sink upright ; and the cask was steadily lowered into a boat lying alongside the ship , in readiness for use . The sailors entered into the preparations with the glee of schoolboys ; but the machine was not ready until long after the ship had been towed out again through the channel , and moored broadside to it , just outside . Chapter 8 : The Torpedo . It was about two o'clock in the morning when the watch awoke the crew , with the news that they could hear the distant sound of oars coming along the shore . All took their places , in silence . After a time the rowing ceased , and all was quiet again . Half an hour passed , and then there was a slight sound close alongside and , in the channel , they could dimly make out a small boat -- which was rapidly rowed away into the darkness again , several musket shots being fired after it .