midnight
`` Do n't say how odd , William ; that is not an expression to use when we talk of the wonderful provisions made by the Almighty hand , who neglects not the meanest of his creatures -- say rather , how wonderful ! '' `` That 's very true , sir , '' observed Ready ; `` but still you must not be too hard upon Master William , for I have heard many a grownup man make use of the same expression . '' On the third day of the calm , the barometer fell so low as to induce Captain Osborn to believe that they should have a severe gale , and every preparation was made to meet it , should it come on . Nor was he mistaken : towards midnight the clouds gathered up fast , and as they gathered up in thick piles , heaped one over the other , the lightning darted through them in every direction ; and as the clouds rose up , so did the wind , but at first only in heavy gusts , and then lulling again to a calm . `` Ready , '' said Captain Osborn , `` how do you think we shall have the wind ? '' `` Why , Captain Osborn , to tell you the truth , I do n't think it will be steady to one point long . It may at first blow hard from the north , but it 's my idea it will shift soon to some other quarter , and blow still harder . ''