midnight
That is what I thought as I watched him , and Boston 's vague scheme became harebrained in my eyes . The second mate was seldom aft during the two hours I stood at the wheel . The times he did appear , he engaged in conversation with the Old Man , beyond my hearing . But near midnight be clumped aft hurriedly , bringing the tradesmen with him . The strollers happened to be near me at the moment he appeared , and he came towards them , speaking . `` Well , sir -- he 's gone , '' he said . So I knew that Nils was dead .