noon
Not the slightest ripple broke the shimmering triangular wake that the sun sent shoreward over the lifeless surface of the water . The fishing fleet had headed , bright and early , for the grounds off the Cabo de San Antonio ; and all the seines were out to take full advantage of the perfect weather . Prices on the market of Valencia were running high ; and every skipper was trying to make a quick catch and get back first to the beach of the Cabañal , where the fisherwomen were waiting impatiently . Toward noon the weather changed . An easterly wind came up , the dread _ levante _ , that can blow so wickedly in the gulf of Valencia . The sea at first was lightly wrinkled ; but as the hurricane advanced the placid looking-glass gave way to a livid menacing chop , and piles of cloud came racing up from the horizon and blotted out the sun . Great was the alarm along shore .