about nine in the morning
They had already tried calling out for help several times , but gave it up , because they saw it was of no use . While Elias and Bernt sat alone upon the overturned boat , Elias said to his son that he was quite sure he himself would go to `` be with mother , '' but he had strong hopes that Bernt might yet be saved , if he only held out like a man . Then he told him of the goblin he had wounded in the back with the halibut pike , and how it had revenged itself upon him , and would not give up `` until they were quits . '' It was about nine in the morning , when the dawn began to show grey . Then Elias handed to Bernt , who sat by his side , his silver watch with the brass chain , which he had broken in two in drawing it out from under his buttoned-up waistcoat . He still sat for a while , but , as it grew lighter , Bernt saw that his father 's face was deadly pale , his hair had parted in several places as it often does when death is near , and the skin was torn from his hands by holding on to the keel . The son knew that his father could not last long , and wanted , as well as the pitching would allow , to move along and support him ; but when Elias noticed this he said : `` Only hold fast , Bernt !