midnight
The entrance to the magazine on the berth-deck , where they procure their food for the guns , is guarded by a woollen screen ; and a gunner 's mate , standing behind it , thrusts out the cartridges through a small arm-hole in this screen . The enemy 's shot -LRB- perhaps red hot -RRB- are flying in all directions ; and to protect their cartridges , the powder-monkeys hurriedly wrap them up in their jackets ; and with all haste scramble up the ladders to their respective guns , like eating-house waiters hurrying along with hot cakes for breakfast . At _ general quarters _ the shot-boxes are uncovered ; showing the grape-shot -- aptly so called , for they precisely resemble bunches of the fruit ; though , to receive a bunch of iron grapes in the abdomen would be but a sorry dessert ; and also showing the canister-shot -- old iron of various sorts , packed in a tin case , like a tea-caddy . Imagine some midnight craft sailing down on her enemy thus ; twenty-four pounders levelled , matches lighted , and each captain of his gun at his post ! But if verily going into action , then would the Neversink have made still further preparations ; for however alike in some things , there is always a vast difference -- if you sound them -- between a reality and a sham . Not to speak of the pale sternness of the men at their guns at such a juncture , and the choked thoughts at their hearts , the ship itself would here and there present a far different appearance . Something like that of an extensive mansion preparing for a grand entertainment , when folding-doors are withdrawn , chambers converted into drawing-rooms , and every inch of available space thrown into one continuous whole .