nine in the morning
Every thing , indeed , presaged the near approach of the hurricane . The centre of the clouds in the zenith was of a dismal black , while their skirts were tinged with a copper-coloured hue . The air resounded with the cries of the tropic-birds , petrels , frigate-birds , and innumerable other sea-fowl , which notwithstanding the obscurity of the atmosphere , were seen coming from every point of the horizon , to seek for shelter in the island . Towards nine in the morning we heard in the direction of the ocean the most terrific noise , like the sound of thunder mingled with that of torrents rushing down the steeps of lofty mountains . A general cry was heard of , `` There is the hurricane ! '' and the next moment a frightful gust of wind dispelled the fog which covered the isle of Amber and its channel . The Saint-Geran then presented herself to our view , her deck crowded with people , her yards and topmasts lowered down , and her flag half-mast high , moored by four cables at her bow and one at her stern .