midnight
`` The other thing seems a downright LIE . '' `` No , '' said Billy authoritatively , `` you 've got to look half-drowned , and swallow a lot of water , and your eyes be all bloodshot . '' Everybody being eager for the adventure , except Private Smith , the arrangements were at once concluded , and the approach of night impatiently awaited . It was just before midnight when Smith , who had forgotten for the time his troubles in sleep , was shaken into wakefulness . `` Cold water , sir ? '' said Billy gleefully . In no mood for frivolity , Private Smith rose and followed the youth on deck .