midnight
Each was ready to take his turn , and it was arranged that Captain Dawson should act as sentinel until midnight , when he would awake Vose Adams , who would assume the duty till morning . Soon afterward , the three wrapped themselves in their blankets and stretched out on the ground , near the boulders , where they speedily sank into deep slumber . It seemed to Adams that he had slept less than an hour , when the captain touched him . Rising immediately to a sitting position , he asked : `` Is it midnight ? '' `` It 's a half hour past . '' `` Why did n't you awake me afore ? Have you seen anything wrong ? ''