nearly
midnight
Meanwhile the corvette had edged away in a parallel course with the brig , running past her at first as if she were at anchor , when she let her topgallant-sails slide down to the caps , and , with the weather clew of her main-sail triced up , she held way with the brig a mile or more to windward . The moon was sinking well down in the west , and the clear , well-defined crescent was occasionally obscured by the light fleecy clouds moving under the influence of the trade wind , when , toward eight bells , the moon gave one pure white glimmer , threw a rippling flood of light over the waves , and sunk below the horizon . Still the stars twinkled and the planets flamed out like young moons -- masked at intervals by the darkening clouds as they swept overhead in heavy masses -- and tinging the sea with shade , which would again break out in phosphorescent flashes as the waves caught the reflection . `` Now , Madame Rosalie , '' said the kind old skipper , `` it is nearly midnight ; take your last snooze in the old barky , and wake up bright and happy for Port Royal and -- you know who , in the morning . '' The charming woman had been watching , with soul-rapt gaze , the lofty hills of Jamaica from the last blaze of the setting sun , and until the moon too had vanished and left only a dim blue haze over the island . She started as the captain spoke , gave a deep sigh , kissed her hand to the good old skipper , said '' _ Bon soir , mon ami _ , '' and with a smile she entered her cabin . The black was seated within the partition of the apartment , near a small swinging cot , urging it gently to and fro , and watching over his little charge .