four o'clock
Midnight came and went , and found the expedition still some distance from the lake . A few of the soldiers were sleeping , but the majority remained wide awake , fighting off the marshland pests , and aiding in keeping the cascos and launches from running high and dry in the mud . Had it not been for the tinclads it is doubtful if the Laguna de Bay would have been gained at all by more than half of the craft composing the turnout . But they came to the rescue time and again , and so the expedition crawled along , until , at four o'clock , the clear sheet of water beyond was sighted . They were making the last turn before the lake was gained when the casco ahead of that steered by Larry went aground once more , dragging Larry 's craft behind it . The youth did all he could to back water , but in vain , and once more they heard the unwelcome slish of mud under their bottom . `` Now you 've done it again ! ''