midnight
With his resources and ingenuity , the matter in his own mind was reduced to one of toil and time . Eight-and-forty hours , and some hard labour , he doubted not would effect all he cared for . In setting the anchor-watches for the night , therefore , Stephen Spike bethought him as much of the morrow as of the present moment . Don Juan offered to remain on deck until midnight , and as he was as capable of giving an alarm as any one else , the offer was accepted . Josh and Simon were to succeed the Mexican , and to hold the lookout for two hours , when Jack was to relieve them , and to continue on deck until light returned , when he was to give the captain a call . This arrangement made , Tier turned in at once , desiring the cook to call him half an hour before the proper period of his watch commenced . That half hour Jack intended to employ in exercising his eloquence in endeavouring to persuade either Josh or Simon to be of his party .