midnight
Well , I ca n't help it . '' But fate was on the verge of aiding Tom in an unexpected way . Nearly every one turned in early that night for it was no pleasure to sit in the saloons , and to lie in one 's berth made it easier to stand the rolling of the vessel . Tom and Ned , together with Mr. Damon , had fallen into slumber in spite of the storm , when , just as eight bells announced midnight there was a sudden jar throughout the whole ship . The Maderia quivered from stem to stern , seemed to hesitate a moment as though she had been brought to a sudden stop , and then plowed on , only to bring up against some obstruction again , with that same sickening jar throughout her length . `` Bless my soul ! What 's that ? ''