four o'clock in the morning
Once amid the tumult the boys heard Mr. Emery shout : `` Do n't be frightened ; if there was any immediate danger Mr. Walters would warn us . '' `` He may not be able to come where we are , '' Teddy thought ; but he refrained from giving words to such a dismal foreboding , and in silent fear waited for -- he knew not what . To the frightened boys in the cabin it was as if the night would never come to an end , and during every one of those fearful moments they believed the yacht was on the point of taking the final plunge . At four o'clock in the morning the steamer 's movements became more regular ; but not less in violence , and , shortly after , the sailing master came below . `` We are laying-to , '' he said to Mr. Emery . `` There is a nasty sea on , and I did n't care to take the chances of fighting against it . '' `` How does she stand it ? ''