four in the morning
Where we were we could not tell . One thing alone was certain : the tide was ebbing beneath us , and the waves were relaxing in their violence . Once let the fire be extinguished , and then , perhaps , there would be room to hope that the next high tide would set us afloat . Towards half-past four in the morning the curtain of fire and smoke , which had shut off communication between the two extremities of the ship , became less dense , and we could faintly distinguish that party of the crew who had taken refuge in the forecastle ; and before long , although it was impracticable to step upon the deck , the lieutenant and the boatswain contrived to clamber over the gunwale , along the rails , and joined Curtis on the poop . Here they held a consultation , to which I was admitted . They were all of opinion that nothing could be done until daylight should give us something of an idea of our actual position . If we then found that we were near the shore , we would , weather permitting , endeavour to land , either in the boat or upon a raft .