nearly eleven o'clock
The only alternative that I could see , therefore , was to head the schooner round on the port tack and bear northward to the Shetlands . I went below to look at the chart to determine my position and the course I should take ; and , to prepare myself for difficulties I foresaw , I lighted a fire and made myself some coffee and cooked some bacon for breakfast . When I had eaten a good meal and warmed myself , a drowsiness came over me again , and I threw myself on the skipper 's bed to rest for a little while . I must have slept very soundly ; for when I awoke the fire was out , and I saw by the chronometer that it was nearly eleven o'clock . But my sleep had done me great good , and I hurried on deck and looked round . The schooner was labouring aimlessly for the want of the helm to guide her and keep her on her course ; but soon I brought her to again and she went scudding along bravely . I made no doubt that at the rate she was sailing I should sight Sumburgh Head early the next morning .