seven o'clock in the
morning
Though the Russian was a pilot over the bar , his services were not needed as such . The first cutter had kept the range of the buildings on the island , and Mr. Flint had already picked it up . The steamer proceeded at less than half speed , but the tide was at its highest . By this time it was seven o'clock in the morning , for a great deal of the time had been used up in moving the cutter and the steamer . Breakfast had been served to all hands , and Christy had fortified his stomach for a busy forenoon . As the Bronx proceeded on her course , the lead going all the time , making not more than two knots an hour , the report of a gun was heard from the fort . `` They are awake there , '' said Christy with a smile to the first lieutenant , and both of them watched for the fall of the shot , which struck the water at least a quarter of a mile ahead of the vessel .