midnight
But this is no reflection upon the appetites of the boys , which was invariably good , if we may except Tom Darlington and Jeems Howell just at the present moment . Now , on with the voyage : as the principals have been introduced and are ready , they can come to close grips with the ocean and all its dangers , so that the referee , being the writer , has made his exit through the ropes , allowing a free field and no favor . It is a tough beginning as far as sea way goes . The hour is close upon midnight in mid-channel , and that is no dream even on so staunch a little craft as the _ Sea Eagle _ . `` That time she lapped the starboard boat into the water , '' yelled Jim . `` Hold steady now , lads . '' Then up rose the ship on the other roll to larboard ; over , over , over she went ; would she never stop ?