nine in the morning
`` Every thing , indeed , presaged the near approach of the hurricane . The centre of the clouds in the zenith was of a dismal black , while their skirts were fringed with a copper hue . The air resounded with the cries of the frigate bird , the cur water , and a multitude of other sea birds , who , notwithstanding the obscurity of the atmosphere , hastened from all points of the horizon to seek for shelter in the island . `` Towards nine in the morning we heard on the side of the ocean the most terrific noise , as if torrents of water , mingled with thunder , were rolling down the steeps of the mountains . A general cry was heard of , ` There is the hurricane ! ' and in one moment a frightful whirlwind scattered the fog which had covered the Isle of Amber and its channel . The Saint Geran then presented itself to our view , her gallery crowded with people , her yards and main topmast laid upon the deck , her flag shivered , with four cables at her head , and one by which she was held at the stern .