midnight
`` Fine weather and fair winds , '' had been the usual morning greeting ; or if a passing squall appeared it had found them near to some sheltered loch , or inlet . Lord Forfar was for putting into Boisdale , for the glass was going down rapidly ; but Lady Bruce was sure , `` a little breeze would be a most delightful change . '' It was not very likely to be so with the wind rising out of the northeast ; and ere long the Petrel 's topmast was sent down , and a double reef put in her mainsail . Until midnight it blew hard with a fast rising sea , and a mist as thick as a hedge . After this , it was ugly weather all the way home , and as they passed Ailsa Craig the wind changed to full north , and fetched the sea down with it . `` The waves come high down the Frith , '' said Maggie to the owner of the yacht , a hardy young fellow who leaned against the taffrail , and watched his boat hammering through the heavy seas . `` They come any size you like down here , Miss Promoter .