two in the morning
`` Neither do I , '' replied Allen , `` I prefer raising my foot . But it 's habit , Mr. Bruce , only habit . '' For five days the barque ran steadily on an E.N.E. course , then on the sixth day the wind hauled , and by sunset it was blowing hard from the eastward with a fast-gathering sea . By two in the morning Robertson and his officers knew that they were in for a three-days ' easterly gale ; a few hours later it was decided to heave-to , as the sea had become dangerous , and the little vessel was straining badly . Just after this had been done , the gale set in with redoubled fury , and when Mrs. Lacy came on deck shortly before breakfast , she shuddered at the wild spectacle . Coming to the break of the poop , she clasped the iron rail with both hands , and gazed fearfully about her . `` You had better go below , ma'am , '' said the second mate , who was standing near , talking to Otway , `` there 's some nasty , lumpy seas . ''