midnight
She ran easily before a fair monsoon , with her decks cleared for the night ; and , moving along with her , was heard the sustained and monotonous swishing of the waves , mingled with the low whispers of men mustered aft for the setting of watches ; the short plaint of some block aloft ; or , now and then , a loud sigh of wind . Mr. Baker , coming out of his cabin , called out the first name sharply before closing the door behind him . He was going to take charge of the deck . On the homeward trip , according to an old custom of the sea , the chief officer takes the first night-watch -- from eight till midnight . So Mr. Baker , after he had heard the last `` Yes , sir ! '' said moodily , `` Relieve the wheel and look-out '' ; and climbed with heavy feet the poop ladder to windward . Soon after Mr. Creighton came down , whistling softly , and went into the cabin .