three o'clock
Each gust seemed unsurpassable in intensity , but was succeeded , after a pause , that was not a lull but a gasp , by one of more frantic violence . The barometer stood at 27:82 . The ship was a mere labouring , crazy wreck , that might sink at any moment . At half-past three o'clock the barometer had fallen to 27:62 . Save when lighted by occasional flashes of sheet-lightning , which showed to the cowed wretches their awe-stricken faces , this tragedy of the elements was performed in a darkness which was almost palpable . Suddenly the mercury rose to 29:90 , and , with one awful shriek , the wind dropped to a calm . The Lady Franklin had reached the centre of the cyclone .