four in the afternoon
I was quite mistaken as to his object . Mr. Kear had no intention of looking after his wife , but remained by the side of Silas Huntly until the gathering darkness hid them both from view . As night drew on , the wind grew calmer , but the sea remained very rough . The moon had been up ever since four in the afternoon , though she only appeared at rare intervals between the clouds . Some long lines of vapor on the horizon were tinged with a rosy glare that foreboded a strong breeze for the morrow , and all felt anxious to know from which quarter the breeze would come , for any but a northeaster would bear the frail raft on which we were to embark far away from land . About eight o'clock in the evening , Curtis mounted to the main-top , but he seemed preoccupied and anxious , and did not speak to anyone . He remained for a quarter of an hour , then after silently pressing my hand , he returned to his old post .