about noon
It is true , he had some of the usual expedients of seamen at his command , and the people were immediately set about them ; but , in consequence of the principal spars having gone so near the decks , it became exceedingly difficult to rig jury-masts . Something must be attempted , however , and the spare spars were got out , and all the necessary preparations were commenced , in order that they might be put into their places and rigged , as well as circumstances would allow . As soon as the sea went down , and the steadiness of the ship would permit , Mr. Leach succeeded in getting up an awkward lower studding-sail , and a sort of a stay-sail forward , and with these additions to their canvas , the ship was brought to head south , with the wind light at the westward . The sea was greatly diminished about noon ; but a mile an hour , for those who had so long a road before them , and who were so near a coast that was known to be fearfully inhospitable , was a cheerless progress , and the cry of `` sail , ho ! '' early in the afternoon , diffused a general joy in the Montauk . The stranger was made to the southward and eastward , and was standing on a course that must bring her quite near to their own track , as the Montauk then headed . The wind was so light , however , that Captain Truck gave it as his opinion they could not speak until night had set in .