midnight
It is certain that he jumped down on the anchor-stock , the anchor being a cock-bill , and that he ordered Mr. Hillson off of it . While thus employed , and at an instant when the cable was pronounced bent , and the men were in the act of getting inboard , the ship made a heavy roll , breakers again appeared all around her , the white foam rising nearly to the level of her rails . The captain was seen no more . There is little doubt that he was washed from the anchor stock , and carried away to leeward , in the midst of the darkness of that midnight hour . Mark was soon apprised of the change that had occurred , and of the heavy responsibility that now rested on his young shoulders . A feeling of horror and of regret came over him , at first ; but understanding the necessity of self-command , he aroused himself , at once , to his duty , and gave his orders coolly and with judgment . The first step was to endeavour to save the captain .