midnight
All were moored , as is the custom in Apia , with two anchors practically east and west , clear hawse to the north , and a kedge astern . Topmasts were struck , and the ships made snug . The night closed black , with sheets of rain . By midnight it blew a gale ; and by the morning watch , a tempest . Through what remained of darkness , the captains impatiently expected day , doubtful if they were dragging , steaming gingerly to their moorings , and afraid to steam too much . Day came about six , and presented to those on shore a seizing and terrific spectacle . In the pressure of the squalls the bay was obscured as if by midnight , but between them a great part of it was clearly if darkly visible amid driving mist and rain .