four in the
morning
Another party was sent to assist on board of the prize , and the prisoners were brought on board , and put down in the fore-hold , which had been cleared for their reception . By noon everything was so far ready that we were enabled to take the prize in tow , and make sail on the Calliope , after which the men , who were exhausted , went to dinner , and were permitted to sleep during the remainder of the day until the evening , when the ship 's company was ordered up , and the dead were committed to the deep blue sea with the usual ceremonies . The breeze was steady but the water was smooth during the night , and glad I was to throw myself on one of the lockers in the midshipmen 's berth , after so many hours of excitement . I slept till four in the morning , and finding the planks not quite so soft as they might be , I then turned into the hammock of the midshipman of the morning watch , and remained till six hells , when Bob Cross came down and told me that the captain would soon be on deck . `` Well , Cross , '' said I , as I came on deck and went aft to look at the prize in tow , `` this is a nice business , and our captain will gain a great deal of credit . '' `` And he deserves it , Master Keene , '' replied Cross : `` as I said before , I never had an idea that he could handle his ship so well -- no , nor none of the ship 's company . We all thought Mr Hippesley the best officer of the two , but we have found out our mistake .