midnight
With a crash like thunder the seeming phantom ship plows into the steamer 's side . For a moment Gregory was appalled , stunned ; and stared at the fatal intruder that fell back in strong rebound , and dropped astern . Then he became conscious of the confusion , and awakening uproar on both vessels . Cries of agony , shouts of alarm , and hoarse orders pierced the midnight air . He ran forward and saw the yawning cavern which the blow had made in the ship 's side , and heard the rush of water into the hold . Across the chasm he saw the captain 's pale face looking down with a dismay like his own . `` The ship will sink , and soon , '' Gregory shouted .