eight o'clock in the evening
Mrs. Kear , who had been for some time in a state of drowsy unconsciousness , was not informed of the immediate danger ; but when Miss Herbey , looking somewhat pale with fatigue , paid one of her flying visits to the deck , I warned her to take every precaution for herself , and to be ready for any emergency . `` Thank you , doctor , I am always ready , '' she cheerfully replied , and returned to her duties below . I saw Andre follow the young girl with his eyes , and a look of melancholy interest passed over his countenance . Toward eight o'clock in the evening the framework for the raft was almost complete , and the men were lowering empty barrels , which had first been securely bunged , and were lashing them to the woodwork to insure its floating . Two hours later and suddenly there arose the startling cry , `` We are sinking ! we are sinking ! '' Up to the poop rushed Mr. Kear , followed immediately by Falsten and Miss Herbey , who were bearing the inanimate form of Mrs. Kear .