nine o'clock
Mr Marline , however , did not go below ; so I remained on the poop with him and Jackson , the two walking up and down the deck and talking together while I stood by . The sky was wonderfully clear now , the firmament being studded with the greater constellations , and myriads of the lesser lights of the night powdering the heavens with their golden dust everywhere . But this was not for long . Shortly before nine o'clock a peculiar moaning noise came over the sea . It was like a sort of hushed sob of pain , resembling somewhat the sound of a number of voices wailing in chorus in the far distance . `` What is that ? '' asked I of Mr Marline in alarm .