Midnight
You have tacked ship , it seems ; is there a change of wind ? '' `` No , sir , '' answered Cross ; `` the wind still holds steady at about west , though it seems a little inclined to back half a point or so to the south ` ard , and it 's clouded over again and gone very dark . We tacked at midnight , sir , according to your orders . '' `` Midnight ! '' ejaculated George ; `` you surely do not mean to say it is midnight already , Cross ? '' `` About a quarter after it , sir , '' answered the second mate with a smile . `` You 've slept sound , sir , I expect ; and time has travelled fast with you . ''