nearly half past four o'clock
`` If we 're going to take her in tow , '' said Eric to Homer , overhearing the order , `` we 're apt to get our stern works pulled out of us . She 's pitching like all billy-o ! '' `` We 'll make it if the skipper says so , '' his friend said cheerfully . It was then nearly half past four o'clock , and fortunately there was just a slight lull in the storm . Swinging across the _ Northwestern 's _ bow the gunner shot a line into her rigging . The steamer 's crew were on the alert -- they had good men aboard that craft -- and tailed on to the line . The _ Miami _ forged ahead and dropped anchor with sixty fathom of chain on the disabled steamer 's starboard bow .