about two o'clock in the morning
The lumberman listened to Dick 's tale with interest . Of course the story had to be short , and was frequently interrupted , as high waves would come along and almost sweep them into the lake . Both lay flat , clutching at the lumber and at the huge chains which held it , and which had thus far refused to part , although the strain upon them were tremendous . It was about two o'clock in the morning when the storm , according to Dick 's calculation , reached its height . The waves literally drove over the raft from end to end , and it was all both he and Luke Peterson could do to keep on the timbers . `` Hold on tight , young man , if ye value your life ! '' roared the lumberman .