midnight
The man gripped it with a sort of fierce eagerness that was good to see and smiled the smile of a man at peace with himself . Then he solemnly drew out his clasp-knife and pricked a small cross in the skin of his forearm . `` That , '' said he , `` is for a sign that once I get out o ' this here pickle I 'll never pirate nor free-trade no more . '' The wind sank to a mere breath as the darkness gathered and Jeremy stood the first watch while his tired friend settled into a deep sleep that lasted till he was wakened a little after midnight . Then the boy took his turn at sleeping . When the morning light shone into his eyes he woke to find Job pacing the deck and casting troubled looks at the sky . The wind was dead and only an occasional whiff of light air moved the idly swinging canvas .