midnight
`` Krasippe , grinning from ear to ear , nodded assent , and launching the captain 's boat , -- a light wherry for two pairs of sculls , -- they pushed off from the vessel 's side . '' ` Watch that spot , ' said Hubel , ` and if you see the stars of this Roman candle , launch your boat , and come to the shore at once . Vasa there , ' pointing to a huge Danish hound , ` will find me for you , if need be . ' `` An hour or two later , Perry saw the stars of green and crimson shooting through the lurid cloud into the midnight sky . A rifle-shot echoed through the valley and across the bay , and the fire was instantly extinguished . Perry , who had prepared everything for such an emergency , pushed off in his boat at once , taking his three men , all well armed , and Vasa , the great hound . Pulling at full speed , they struck in for the shore , and at last found the captain 's boat hauled upon the beach .