midnight
The other officers shared in the general falling off , and too often made the quarter-deck a display for temper . The third-lieutenant -- yes , I think it was the third -- had mast-headed me , about the middle of the first dog-watch ; most likely deservedly , for I had lately affected to give the proud and sullen answer . Before I went aloft to my miserable station , I represented to him that I had the first watch ; that there was now but three of the young gentlemen doing their duty , the others having very wisely fallen ill , and taken the protection of the sick-list . I told him , respectfully enough , `` that if he kept me up in that disagreeable station from half-past five till eight , I could not possibly do my duty , for very weariness , from eight till midnight . It was a physical impossibility . '' But he was inexorable . Up I went , the demon of all evil passions gnawing at my heart .