midnight
But the human beings who were involved in the perils of that night had scant leisure , and little inclination , perchance , to contemplate its sublimity . The crew of the Gull light were surrounded by signals of disaster and distress . In whichever direction they turned their eyes burning tar-barrels and other flaring lights were seen , telling their dismal tale of human beings in urgent need of assistance or in dire extremity . Little more than an hour before midnight another craft was observed driving down on the hawse of the Gull . There was greater danger now , because it happened to be near the turn of the tide , or `` slack water , '' so that the rudder could not be used to advantage . All hands were once more turned out , and as the vessel drew near Mr Welton hailed her , but got no reply . `` Let go the rudder-pendants ! ''