four o'clock in the morning
Yes , there it was , quite unmistakably this time , and a single moment 's observation of it satisfied the anxious watcher that he saw before him the royals and topgallant-sails of a vessel apparently of no very great size . The fact that the stranger 's topgallant-sails had risen above the horizon within the hour since he had last looked at her was conclusive proof to his mind that the craft was standing toward them ; that , in fact , they were approaching each other , though at a very low rate of speed , in consequence of the exceedingly light air of wind that was blowing . Fully satisfied upon this point he at once put the boat 's helm down , and she came slowly and heavily about , the captain easily working the sheets himself . By four bells Captain Staunton was able to discern with the naked eye the shadowy patch of darkness which the stranger 's canvas made on the dusky line of the horizon , and when he called Mr Bowles at eight bells , or four o'clock in the morning , the patch had become darker , larger , and more clearly defined , and it lay about one point before the weather beam of the launch . The telescope was once more called into requisition , and it now showed not only the royals and topgallant-sails , but also the topsails of the stranger fairly above the horizon . `` Thank God for that welcome sight ! '' exclaimed the chief mate , laying down the telescope and reverently lifting his hat from his head .