half past eight in the evening
`` Hush ! Do n't say another word . There comes an officer . '' One bell , indicating half past eight in the evening , struck on deck . It was the duty of the master and midshipman on deck , alternately , to pass through the steerage every half hour during the watch , to see that there was no disorder , and that the lights were all secure , so as to avoid any danger from fire . Henry Martyn , the second master , performed this office on the present occasion . He descended the main ladder , and Wilton , who expected the visit when he heard the stroke of the bell , retreated to his mess room , and threw himself into his berth .