midday
`` You 'd better get away from the rail before any of the others see you . Just be taking those halyards aft to the capstan . '' From then , until eight bells , we were hard at work getting the sail upon her , and when at last eight bells went , I made haste to swallow my breakfast , and get a sleep . At midday , when we went on deck for the afternoon watch , I ran to the side ; but there was no sign of the great shadow ship . All that watch , the Second Mate kept me working at my paunch mat , and Tammy he put on to his sinnet , telling me to keep an eye on the youngster . But the boy was right enough ; as I scarcely doubted now , you know ; though -- a most unusual thing -- he hardly opened his lips the whole afternoon . Then at four o'clock , we went below for tea .