About
midnight
The wind howled as it pressed with all its violence against the tents , while the rain poured off in torrents . One moment the canvas of the tents would bulge in , and the cords which held it strain and crack ; at another , an eddy of wind would force out the canvas , which would flap and flap , while the rain found many an entrance . The tent in which Mrs. Seagrave and the children reposed was on the outside of the others , and therefore the most exposed . About midnight the wind burst on them with greater violence than before . A loud crash was heard by Ready and Mr. Seagrave , followed by the shrieks of Mrs. Seagrave and Juno ; the pegs of the tent had given way , and the inmates were exposed to the fury of the elements . Ready rushed out , followed by Mr. Seagrave and William . So strong was the wind and beating rain , and such was the darkness , that it was with some difficulty that by their united efforts the women and children could be extricated .