midnight
An hour after the sun had set , the wind fell to a light air , that just kept steerage-way on the ship . Fortunately , the John was not only fast , but she minded her helm , as a light-footed girl turns in a lively dance . I never was in a better-steering ship , most especially in moderate weather . Mr. Marble had the middle watch that night , and of course I was on deck from midnight until four in the morning . It proved misty most of the watch , and for quite an hour we had a light drizzling rain . The ship , the whole time , was close-hauled , carrying royals . As everybody seemed to have made up his mind to a quiet night , one without any reefing or furling , most of the watch were sleeping about the decks , or wherever they could get good quarters , and be least in the way .