midnight
The storm gave no signs of breaking , and on and on we went , rushing through the darkness . At any moment we might find ourselves , we knew , cast upon a reef , and the boat dashed to pieces ; but that risk , fearful as it was , must be run . I asked Mudge if he could tell what o'clock it was . `` It 's too dark to see the hands of my watch , but I judge that it is some time past midnight , '' he answered . I groaned , for I thought it must be nearly daybreak . `` God has taken care of us thus far , and he will take care of us , if he thinks fit , till morning , '' observed Tillard ; `` we must not give in , however bad things look . '' At last day began to break .