midnight
As it was they did not escape . The vast whirlpool caused by the sinking ship drew them in with irresistible power . For one moment the horrified youths saw a dark green vortex towards which they rushed . Another moment , and they beheld a green funnel whirling round them as they sank into midnight darkness , while an ocean of roaring water filled their ears . Who shall attempt to describe , the feelings or sensations of that moment ! The one absorbing idea of self-preservation was of course dominant , coupled with an intolerable feeling that the upper air could never be regained . It was reached , however , by all of them .