midnight
He gave his place of birth as Pennsylvania , and his present shore address as a Sailors ' Christian Home in New York . He offered , without solicitation , the information that he had been twenty-eight years in the Turner service , and could have been `` up at the top , '' but preferred the forecastle , so that he could be an influence to the men . His rolling gait , twinkling blue eyes , and huge mustache , as well as the plug of tobacco which he sliced with a huge knife , put the crowd in good humor , and relieved somewhat the somberness of the proceedings . `` Where were you between midnight and 4 A.M. on the morning of August 12 ? '' `` At the wheel . '' `` You did not leave the wheel during that time ? '' `` Yes , sir . ''