four o’clock in the morning
Though bent under the gale they walked very quickly , following Top , who did not hesitate as to what direction to take . They ascended towards the north , having on their left an interminable extent of billows , which broke with a deafening noise , and on their right a dark country , the aspect of which it was impossible to guess . But they felt that it was comparatively flat , for the wind passed completely over them , without being driven back as it was when it came in contact with the cliff . At four o'clock in the morning , they reckoned that they had cleared about five miles . The clouds were slightly raised , and the wind , though less damp , was very sharp and cold . Insufficiently protected by their clothing , Pencroft , Herbert and Spilett suffered cruelly , but not a complaint escaped their lips . They were determined to follow Top , wherever the intelligent animal wished to lead them .