About midnight
But the friendly advice was lost in the now increasing wind . With a suddenness by no means unusual in these latitudes , the light breeze soon became a succession of sharp squalls , and our sail-proud braggadacio of an India-man was observed to let everything go by the run , his t ' - gallant stun ' - sails and flying-jib taking quick leave of the spars ; the flying-jib was swept into the air , rolled together for a few minutes , and tossed about in the squalls like a foot-ball . But the wind played no such pranks with the more prudently managed canvas of the Neversink , though before many hours it was stirring times with us . About midnight , when the starboard watch , to which , I belonged , was below , the boatswain 's whistle was heard , followed by the shrill cry of '' _ All hands take in sail _ ! jump , men , and save ship ! '' Springing from our hammocks , we found the frigate leaning over to it so steeply , that it was with difficulty we could climb the ladders leading to the upper deck . Here the scene was awful .