midnight
The Water Lily glided quietly along , forced onward by the tender where the trio of lads sat long , exchanging experiences and , under cover of the friendly darkness , growing natural and familiar . But after a time even they grew drowsy and `` turned in , '' finding their new `` bunks '' as snug as comfortable . The chug-chug of the small engine chimed in with the snores of the colored folks , in their own quarters beyond the galley and formed a soothing lullaby . So deeply they slept that none knew how a storm was gathering thick and fast , except the alert engineer , who made all speed possible to reach the shelter of the little cove and wharf where he hoped to tie up ; and from whence he could cross the swampy fields to the station and the midnight train for home . It proved a race of steam and storm , with the latter victor ; for at almost boat 's length from the pier there came a blinding flash of lightning and a peal of thunder most terrific . At the same moment a whirlwind shook the Water Lily like a feather , it seemed , and the shrieks of the awaking negroes startled every soul awake . '' 'T is de yend o ' de worl ' !