about
two o'clock
On the instant a sailor , with presence of mind worthy of an English mariner , took an axe , ran forward and cut the cable . The freed vessel again floated and made an effort to right herself , but she was almost completely waterlogged and heeled to larboard so much that the gunwale lay under water . They then endeavored to steer as fast as they could for land , which they knew could not be at any great distance , though through the hazy weather they were unable to see it . The foresail was loosened , and , by great efforts in bailing , she righted a little , her gunwale was raised above water , and they scudded as well as they could before the wind , which blew hard on shore , and at about two o'clock one of the sailors said he espied land ahead . `` We will never reach it , '' said Mr. Holmes , who was at the side of John Stevens . `` Do not despair , '' said John . `` But we ca n't reach the shore , look at those waves . ''