midnight
I sang out , as I saw the head-sails almost aback . The helmsman turned the spokes of the wheel , and the sails filled I continued my walk , but soon again stopped . I went to the binnacle lamp to look at my watch . It still wanted half an hour to midnight . I would have given much to have had that half hour over ; and it was with the greatest difficulty that I managed to stand upright . Once more as I stood , now looking out forward , now at the sails , strange voices sounded in my ears , and my senses wandered . `` Faith , Mr Terence , the spalpeens have been too sharp for me ; I could only find one bottle of spirits , and that was empty .