three o'clock
At the particular request of Wolston , who had some communications to make to him respecting his son , Willis remained on shore , the captain promising to send his gig for him and his two passengers the following morning . Whilst Wolston was busy charging the pilot with a multitude of messages for his son , Mrs. Becker was invoking the blessings of Heaven upon the heads of her two boys ; praying that the hour might be deferred that was to separate her from these idols of her soul . Becker himself , upon whom his position , as head of the family , imposed the obligation of exhibiting , at least outwardly , more courage , instilled into their minds such principles of truth and rules of conduct as the solemnity of the moment was calculated to engrave on their hearts . The dial now marked three o'clock , tropical time . Willis , wiping , with the cuff of his jacket , a drop that trickled from the corner of his eye , laid hold of his seal-skin sou ' - wester as a signal of immediate departure . Ernest and Frank were bending their heads to receive the parting benediction of their parents , when suddenly a fierce torrent of wind shook the gallery of Rockhouse to its foundation , and uprooted some of the bamboo columns by which it was supported . `` Only a squall , '' said Willis quietly .