about two in the morning
It took them two hours to beat back to Ramsgate , a signal having been made as soon as they left the wreck to inform the lifeboat there and at Broadstairs that they need not put out , as the rescue had been already effected . The lads were soon put to bed at the sailors ' home , a man being at once despatched on horseback to Deal , to inform those there of the arrival of the lifeboat , and of the rescue of the four boys who had been blown to sea . Early next morning Frank and Handcock returned to Deal , the other two lads being so exhausted by their fatigue and exposure that the doctor said they had better remain in bed for another twenty-four hours . It is impossible to describe the thankfulness and relief which Mrs. Hargate experienced , when , about two in the morning , Dr. Parker himself brought her news of the safety of her boy . She had long given up all hope , for when the evening came on and Frank had not returned , she had gone down to the shore . She learned from the fishermen there that it was deemed impossible that the boys could reach shore in face of the gale , and that although the lifeboat had just put out in search of them , the chances of their being found were , as she herself saw , faint indeed . She had passed the hours which had intervened , in prayer , and was still kneeling by her bedside , where little Lucy was unconsciously sleeping , when Dr. Parker 's knock was heard at the door .