midnight
Before the sun dipped below the black mass of Kettleness , standing boldly athwart the western sky , its downward way was marked by myriad clouds of every sunset-colour -- flame , purple , pink , green , violet , and all the tints of gold ; with here and there masses not large , but of seemingly absolute blackness , in all sorts of shapes , as well outlined as colossal silhouettes . The experience was not lost on the painters , and doubtless some of the sketches of the `` Prelude to the Great Storm '' will grace the R. A. and R. I. walls in May next . More than one captain made up his mind then and there that his `` cobble '' or his `` mule , '' as they term the different classes of boats , would remain in the harbour till the storm had passed . The wind fell away entirely during the evening , and at midnight there was a dead calm , a sultry heat , and that prevailing intensity which , on the approach of thunder , affects persons of a sensitive nature . There were but few lights in sight at sea , for even the coasting steamers , which usually `` hug '' the shore so closely , kept well to seaward , and but few fishing-boats were in sight . The only sail noticeable was a foreign schooner with all sails set , which was seemingly going westwards . The foolhardiness or ignorance of her officers was a prolific theme for comment whilst she remained in sight , and efforts were made to signal her to reduce sail in face of her danger .