About midnight
Thus was spent a night of anxiety . The next day was little better , and the night following was worse . In addition to the violence of the wind and constant breaking over them of heavy seas , the darkness became so intense that it was difficult to see where damage to the fastenings occurred , and repairs became almost impossible . About midnight there was a terrible rending of wood in that part of the raft lying farthest from Polly 's bower , and a great cry of fear was heard . The more courageous among the men sprang , by a natural impulse , to assist those in distress . It was found that a large portion of the raft had broken adrift , and was only held to it by a single rope . On this portion were two passengers and one of the crew .