midnight
It was simply , `` rear-admiral 's flag . '' A death-like stillness succeeded this annunciation of the rank of the officer in the passing boat , interrupted only by the measured jerk of the oars . Once or twice , indeed , the keen hearing of Mildred made her fancy she heard the common dip of the eight oars , and the wash of the water , as they rose from the element , to gain a renewed purchase . As each vessel was approached , however , the hail and the answer were renewed , the quiet of midnight , in every instance , succeeding . At length the barge was seen shooting along on the quarter of the Cæsar , the rear-admiral 's own ship , and the last hail was given . This time , there was a slight stir in the vessel ; and , soon after the sound of the oars ceased , the lanterns descended from the stations they had held , since nightfall . Two or three other lanterns were still displayed at the gaffs of other vessels , the signs that their captains were not on board ; though whether they were ashore , or visiting in the fleet , were facts best known to themselves .