midnight
That there were but six , it was very true ; but , at the same time , during the night watches there were but five English seamen , and the officer of the watch , on deck . Should the Frenchmen have the boldness to attempt to regain possession of the vessel , there was no doubt that , if the watch could be surprised , the hatches would be secured over those below . What should be the steps , in such a case , that he ought to take ? Such were the cogitations of Seymour , when midnight was reported , and Jerry was summoned to relieve the deck -- which he did not do , relying upon our hero 's good-nature , until past one bell . Up he came with his ready apology -- `` I really beg your pardon , my dear fellow , but I had not a wink of sleep last night . '' `` Never mind , Jerry , I am not at all sleepy . I had been thinking about these French prisoners -- I can not get their conversation out of my head . ''