noon
Probably she had got upon the sands during the night , been forsaken by her crew in their own boat -- in which event there was small chance of any being saved -- and had drifted off again at the change of the tide . Be that as it might , six lifeboat men were put on board . Finding no water in her , they slipt her two cables , which were hanging from the bow , a rope was made fast to the steamer , and she was taken in tow . It was drawing towards noon when they neared the harbour . Very different indeed was the aspect of things there then from what it had been when they went out on their errand of mercy thirteen hours before . Although the gale was still blowing fresh it had moderated greatly . The black clouds no longer held possession of the sky , but were pierced , scattered , and gilded , as they were rolled away , by the victorious sun .