four o'clock
There 's no such thing at sea as standing still . '' The drag was accordingly hauled aboard , at no small risk ; but the oil bags were left to drip their calming lubricant alongside . This done , the Bolo was put on her course again and slowly forced her way through and over the angry waves that seemed determined to prevent her progress . Owing to the heavy clouds that overhung the sky , ever and anon ripped open by a lightning flash , it grew dark at four o'clock , or eight bells , as Ben called it , and Bluewater Bill was sent forward with the lights . But they had hardly been placed in position when a huge sea swept the Bolo from stem to stern , extinguishing them instantly . `` No use putting out any more , '' said Ben , `` we must trust to luck not to run across any vessels . I do n't think that we are in the steamer track anyway . ''