ten minutes past
seven
For half an hour they laboured incessantly . This was the half-hour of suspense : the great point to be ascertained was , whether she leaked through the top-sides , and had taken in the water during the second gale ; if so , there was every hope of keeping it under . Captain Ingram and the mate remained in silence near the capstern , the former with his watch in his hand , during the time that the sailors exerted themselves to the utmost . It was ten minutes past seven when the half-hour had expired ; the well was sounded and the line carefully measured -- _ Seven feet six inches ! _ So that the water had gained upon them , notwithstanding that they had plied the pumps to the utmost of their strength . A mute look of despair was exchanged among the crew , but it was followed up by curses and execrations . Captain Ingram remained silent , with his lips compressed .