about
midnight
The lanterns of the working gang glancing here and there like so many fire-flies were feebly reflected in the angry waters that slid stealthily by with uncanny gurglings and muttered growls . -LSB- Illustration : `` The lanterns of the working gang glancing here and there like fire-flies . '' -RSB- `` If the bank will only hold until morning ! '' said Mr. Manton , about midnight , as he and Billy Brackett entered the _ Venture 's _ cosey `` shanty '' for a brief rest . All but these two and Solon were asleep , laying in a stock of strength for the labors of the next day . Suddenly there came a frightened shouting from the bank . Then all other sounds were drowned in the furious roar of rushing waters , while the raft seemed to be lifted bodily and hurled into space .