midnight
A few of the passengers had recovered their Mediterranean ill-usage sufficiently to dine in the Straits , but the Atlantic swell soon sent them below . The decks were deserted , for many of these people were returning to England after long years in India , and the first chill northern breeze they met made them shiver while it delighted them . Luke FitzHenry was on the bridge from eight o'clock till midnight , motionless at his post -- a mere navigating machine , respected and feared by all who worked with him , understood of none . When midnight came he exchanged a few words with the first officer , and together they superintended the shaking out of the foresails before the watch went below . The wind was on the quarter , strong and steady . Almost immediately the good steamer felt the canvas , leaning gently over to leeward , adding another mile to her great speed . The sea was black , and the air seemed to be full of the sounds of waves breaking and hissing .