midnight
It looks this time as if it were going to be serious ! '' and they glanced uneasily at the neighboring coasts on both sides . Although they presented the usual appearance , behind them , perhaps , a new period of history was in the making . The transatlantic was due at Boulogne at midnight where it was supposed to wait until daybreak to discharge its passengers comfortably . It arrived , nevertheless , at ten , dropped anchor outside the harbor , and the Commandant gave orders that the disembarkation should take place in less than an hour . For this reason they had quickened their speed , consuming a vast amount of extra coal . It was necessary to get away as soon as possible , seeking the refuge of Hamburg .