a quarter to one
The two sails were helpful , and it was to assure himself of their efficiency that he put the helm to starboard . The _ Kansas _ obeyed with an answering roll to port , showing clearly that she was traveling a little faster than the inrushing tide would take her unaided . He brought her head back to nor ` east again , and glanced over his shoulder at the ship 's chronometer . It was a quarter to one . Two hours must pass before he would discern the first faint streaks of light . At any rate , if he were spared to greet the dawn , it would be right ahead , and , as a few seconds might then be of utmost value , that was a small point in his favor . Yet , two hours !