midnight
The boat had got nearly up to it when it again sounded , but only for a short time . On its return to the surface , old Tom was able to plunge several lances into its body , and then , the boat backing away from it , after it had struggled and lashed the water with its tail for a few minutes , it turned over on its side , and a shout proclaimed that the crew were victors . They now prepared to tow their prize towards the ship ; but darkness had come on , and when they looked out for her she was nowhere to be seen . Still , as they knew the direction in which she was to be found , they hoped to get alongside before midnight , and bending lustily to their oars , pulled away . They had not gone far before they had to meet the wind , which had hitherto come off the shore , and was in their favour ; and the sea rising rapidly , they made but slow way with the whale in tow . No sound was heard but the roaring of the surf on the rocky island and the breaking of the sea-caps , which ever and anon leaped on board . Harry and Dickey heartily wished themselves safe on board again , while old Tom , as he stood up steering with his oar , looked out anxiously ahead , in the hope of seeing a light from the ship .