midnight
I do n't think I could even tell what he means if it had n't been gone over so often . '' `` Well , '' the captain said , when Eric reported the circumstances , `` if the _ Lucania _ is nearer the boats than we are , and we are nearer the ship , we 'd better find out who 's sending that call . '' `` Yes , sir , '' Eric answered formally . In the meantime the knowledge of the disaster had spread through the ship , and there was much excitement , when , one point off the port bow , the glare of the burning steamer showed against the murk of midnight . Every one not on duty , and those on duty who were able , ran to the port rail . As the _ Itasca _ steamed on , under forced draught , quivering as her engines throbbed under her , the flare on the bow increased in brightness . In half an hour 's time it could be quite clearly made out as a steamer on fire , the dense cloud of smoke being illumined from below by the glare of the flames .