midnight
But an uncommonly active day required a good night 's rest ; and the people were all ordered to turn in , as soon as they had supped . The ship was to be left to the vigilance of the captain and the three mates , during the night . The anchor-watch was set at eight , and ran from two hours , to two hours . My turn commenced at midnight , and was to last until two ; Marble succeeding me from two until four , when all hands were to be called to get our sticks aloft . When I turned out at twelve , I found the third-mate conversing , as well as he could , with the Dipper ; who , with Smudge , having slept so much of the day , appeared disposed to pass the night in smoking . `` How long have these fellows been on deck ? '' I asked of the third-mate , as he was about to go below .