about noon
It seemed to me that the wind was blowing stronger than ever , and I began to fear that we should be driven over towards the reefs and shoals upon the American coast before it had ceased . If so , shipwreck was almost certain , and the chance of saving our lives would be small indeed . Still I kept up my spirits , and took care not to express my fears to my shipmates . Suddenly about noon the wind dropped , but whether or not it was gaining strength for a fresh blow I was not certain . I asked La Touche . He replied that he could not tell , but that it might be so , and that it would be wise to be prepared for it . The seas tumbled about so much that I could not bring the brig to the wind .