about half past four in the afternoon
He was left almost alone on deck as the weather got rougher ; for the crew made themselves comfortable below , knowing what hard work lay before them through the stormy night . It was not the custom on the vessel to keep the whole watch on duty except at night ; and Clif had only the two sailors at the wheel and the lookout in the bow for company . But if he felt any jealousy of those who were below out of the cold , he had the grim satisfaction of being able to disturb their comfort before very long . It was about half past four in the afternoon , and suddenly the lookout turned and called to Clif . The eager cadet knew what it meant . He seized the glass and hurried forward . He followed the direction of the man 's finger .