four o'clock
in the afternoon
Four seamen were then designated for each of the boats , and the steward was directed to prepare emergency food for the different boats , and by direct orders the food was actually placed in the boats . It was really with a sigh of relief from the suspense that the boys awaited the signal for their term of duty on the bridge . They were in their places instantly , and seized the glasses . It was now four o'clock in the afternoon . They were moving toward the setting sun . The sky was free of clouds and the ocean fairly smooth . It was an ideal sea for observation .