four in the morning
South sou ' - west , she heads , swinging a little west at times , but making a good course . Eccles , who should see to the lights , is stretched out on the wheel-box grating , resuming the thread of his slumbers ; a muttered '' ` ware ! '' will bring him to his feet when the Mate comes round ; meantime , there are stars ahead to steer by , and the binnacle-lamp may wait . South of the Line , at four in the morning , is a fine time to see the stars , if one be but properly awake . Overhead , Orion has reached his height , and is now striding towards the western horizon . The Dog-star is high over the mizzen truck , and Canopus , clear of the weather backstays , is a friend to a drowsy helmsman . The Southern Cross is clearing the sea-line , and above it many-eyed Argus keeps watch over the Pole .