four in the
afternoon
He could not bid Ned good-by and see the dear , merry face fade away , as the `` Gull '' departed , without a great choking in his throat and a heaviness of heart that made one day a lonely , homesick one . You may be sure that Noll did not fail to be at Culm village when the `` Gull '' and its precious freight arrived . The sky had been overcast all day and the sea somewhat rough , so that he was not certain that Ben would set sail from Hastings . But about half-past four in the afternoon the white wings of the skipper 's craft hovered on the horizon , and soon after began to loom into shape and proportion . Noll first descried the welcome sight while standing on the piazza steps , anxiously surveying the sea and sky . A strong and vigorous breeze bore the `` Gull '' rapidly before it , and it was soon evident that it would arrive at the wharf before himself , unless he started soon . Recitations were over an hour ago , and he was now at liberty to go where he chose , and accordingly started for Culm at once .