midnight
The firemen and coal-passers had been refused shore leave , or liberty , as it is called , because of their habit of getting intoxicated , pawning their uniforms , and loitering ashore . Truth to tell , the guns and bayonets had little effect , as the offenders were old in the business . The second night after the order was put in force it happened that `` Hod , '' who was rated as an able seaman , was on duty with gun and bayonet on that end of the dock opposite the forecastle . He had just relieved the man whose watch ended at midnight , and he stood thoughtfully watching the twinkling lights on the opposite side of the mighty East River . There was so much to occupy his mind in a situation which was both charming and fascinating that he remained motionless for several minutes . Presently there came a slight , scraping sound , and the end of a rope struck the dock almost at his feet . Glancing up , `` Hod '' saw a man 's figure , dimly outlined in the gloom , slip from the topgallant forecastle and quickly descend the rope .