nine o'clock
But for this power , floating lights would undoubtedly be run into more frequently than they are . The danger being over , the helm was again made fast amidships , but as several vessels were soon after seen sweeping past -- two or three of them burning tar-barrels and `` flare-lights '' for assistance , it became evident that there would be little or no rest for any one on board that night . The mate put on his oiled coat , trousers , boots , and sou ` wester , and remained on deck . Between eight and nine o'clock a schooner was seen approaching . She came out of surrounding darkness like a dim phantom , and was apparently making the attempt to go to windward of the floating light . She failed , and in a moment was bearing down with terrible speed right upon them . `` Starboard your helm ! ''