four A.M.
During the night the wind gradually headed ; and at four bells in the middle watch a heavy squall came up from the south-west . This brought the captain on deck again : he found the officer of the watch at his post , and at work . Sail was shortened , and the ship made snug for heavy weather . At four A.M. it was blowing hard , and , being too near the French coast , they wore the ship . Now , this operation was bad for little Tadcaster . While the vessel was on the starboard tack , the side kept him snug ; but , when they wore her , of course he had no leeboard to keep him in . The ship gave a lee-lurch , and shot him clean out of his bunk into the middle of the cabin .