midnight
`` It 's no use to talk about future plans without Lee being here . '' But the doctor was too busy with his patient to do more than join them at dinner , with no better report , for he felt that the man was gradually sinking . It was the same too at the evening meal , when the necessity of some one sharing the night watch came up for discussion , the doctor consenting to Mr Bourne taking the first half of the night while he snatched a few hours ' sleep . The arrangement was carried out , with Doctor Lee ready and alert to take his position by the sufferer 's bed at midnight , when Bourne announced that the patient had only moved once , to ask for water . `` I think he seems to be better . He is fast asleep now , '' said Bourne , after saying `` Good-night ! '' and then he left the doctor to himself .