midnight
He must be restrained from following the impulses of his weakness , by the higher hand of authority . Cathay ! -- Cathay is my aim ! '' After midnight the wind increased , and for two hours the caravels glanced through the smooth ocean at their greatest speed , which equalled nine English miles the hour . Few now undressed , except to change their clothes ; and Columbus slumbered on the poop that night , using an old sail for his couch . Luis was his companion , and both were up and on the deck with the first appearance of dawn . A common feeling seemed to exist among all , that land was near , and that a great discovery was about to be made .