midnight
Masthead and sidelights were obscured by the pelting scud . The engines thrust the vessel forward like a lance into the vitals of the storm . Wind and wave gushed out of the vortex with impotent fury . At last , soon after midnight , the barometer showed a slight upward movement . At 1.30 a.m. the change became pronounced ; simultaneously the wind swung round a point to the westward . Then Captain Ross smiled wearily . His face brightened .