an hour after midnight
The way outside was strange and uncertain . The `` Merry Maid '' had never traveled from a safe anchorage except when she was under escort and protection . Now she lingered , drifting uncertainly , but keeping close to the shore and moving very slowly . Half an hour after midnight the tide changed . The water ran away from the shore . The wind rose to a shrieking gale . But the `` Merry Maid '' was not unstable .