midnight
The sloop , `` Peggy , '' was becalmed . Anne , Amanda and Amos looked over the smooth stretch of water , but there was not a ripple to be seen . Since sunrise , the boat had not moved . They had made the start at midnight , as they had planned , and had sailed away under a fair wind ; but before the sun rose the wind had died away , and the mainsail now swung back and forth and the boat drifted slowly with the current . None of the children had thought of bringing a jug of fresh water , and the salt fish and corn bread which they had brought along for food made them very thirsty . `` We 're off Barnstable now , '' said Amos . `` I 've a mind to let the boat drift in nearer shore and anchor , and then row ashore in the tender and get some water . ''