midnight
After a while , the lights of the vessel were suddenly eclipsed , but by the dull light of the moon , now risen , the vessel 's bulk could still be made out . `` She has gone into the further straits , '' said Yaquis , `` between the two islands . '' A gentle breeze sprang up , but blowing directly toward them , it lent no aid . Before midnight , the westerly breeze had died absolutely down , and in a not very long time , the sea followed suit , leaving a long swell and the rowing became much easier . Nothing occurred to break the monotony for a while . There was the steady grinding of the oars in the row-locks and the lapping of the waves in the gloom , for the moon was now obscured by clouds . Then , of a sudden , the Indian called a halt .