midnight before
cried one of the men , laying his ear to the side of the boat , `` I hear the flippers of the steamer . '' `` It is the roar of the accursed _ Barnet _ , '' cried the other . `` I know its voice of old , having twice been wrecked upon the reef -- we must change our course ; we are on a wrong tack altogether . '' It was near midnight before a breeze sprang up and dispelled the ominous fog . The moon showed her wan face through the driving scud , the sail was at last hoisted , and cold and hungry , and sick at heart , our voyagers once more returned to their old port . This time , however , the beach was silent and deserted . No friendly voice welcomed them back .