midnight
When the storm began to brew that night , George Welton , the mate of the floating light , walked the deck of his boiled-lobster-like vessel , and examined the sky and sea with that critical expression peculiar to seafaring men , which conveys to landsmen the reassuring impression that they know exactly what is coming , precisely what ought to be done , and certainly what will be the result of whatever happens ! After some minutes spent in profound meditation , during which Mr Welton frowned inquiringly at the dark driving clouds above him , he said , `` It 'll be pretty stiff . '' This remark was made to himself , or to the clouds , but , happening to be overheard by Jerry MacGowl , who was at his elbow , it was answered by that excellent man . `` True for ye ; it 'll blow great guns before midnight . The sands is showin ' their teeth already . '' The latter part of this remark had reference to brilliant white lines and dots on the seaward horizon , which indicated breakers on the Goodwin sands . `` Luk at that now , '' said Jerry , pointing to one of those huge clumsy vessels that are so frequently met with at sea , even in the present day , as to lead one to imagine that some of the shipbuilders in the time of Noah must have come alive again and gone to work at their old trade on the old plans and drawings .