nearly five o'clock
`` What time is it , Madge ? '' inquired their chaperon unexpectedly . Madge fought her way into the cabin . `` It is nearly five o'clock , '' she called . `` The dawn will come within the hour . '' It was difficult to keep a light burning , the wind blew so fiercely , the rain poured down in such heavy sheets . The houseboat party dared not go inside their cabin .