five o'clock
The ferry-boat was a large bateau , or flatboat , the slope at the ends being so gradual that a wagon could pass down over it to the bottom of the boat . This inclined plane was extended by a movable platform about six feet wide , which swung horizontally up and down , like a great trap-door . When the ferry-boat touched the shore , this platform was let down upon the ground , forming a slope on which carriages were driven into and out of the bateau . The wind was very light , and the clumsy craft moved very slowly -- so slowly that the passage promised to be a severe trial to the patience of Mr. Randall , who hoped to reach Shoreham by five o'clock . He was not in a very amiable frame of mind ; he was angry at the delay in starting , and he was vexed because the wind would not blow . He walked nervously from the forward platform to the after one , with his coat still on his arm . `` We shall not get over to-night , '' said he impatiently , as he stopped by the side of the ferryman , and threw his coat down upon the platform , while he wiped the perspiration from his brow .