midnight
On the seventh night , Dr. Franck suggested that it would be well for some one , besides the general watchman of the ward , to be with the captain , as it might be his last . Although the greater part of the two preceding nights had been spent there , of course I offered to remain , -- for there is a strange fascination in these scenes , which renders one careless of fatigue and unconscious of fear until the crisis is passed . `` Give him water as long as he can drink , and if he drops into a natural sleep , it may save him . I 'll look in at midnight , when some change will probably take place . Nothing but sleep or a miracle will keep him now . Good night . '' Away went the Doctor ; and , devouring a whole mouthful of grapes , I lowered the lamp , wet the captain 's head , and sat down on a hard stool to begin my watch .