two o'clock
When the day was over , however , he took the anchor watch for a comrade , who was overjoyed at the unexpected prospect of getting a quiet night in his hammock , and at escaping from his turn of `` ship 's dog '' -- that watch consisting of one man only , whose business it is to keep the ship from harbour-thieves . He paced up and down the deck alone in the pitchy darkness , that was only relieved by a lantern or two out in the harbour , and a light here and there up in the town -- sometimes standing for long minutes together , with his cheek on his hand , leaning on the railing . He could , without the slightest scruple , murder young Beck -- that he felt . At two o'clock he crossed over to the boards that were sloped against the vessel 's side , slid down them in the dark to the slip , and from there made his way ashore . Elizabeth 's aunt lived in one of the small houses above ; and he had determined to wake her and have a talk with her . Widow Kirstine was a portly , somewhat worn perhaps , but otherwise strong-looking , old woman , with a good broad face , and thin grey hair drawn down behind her ears . She was not unused to being disturbed at night , one of her occupations being to nurse sick people ; but she always grumbled whenever she was .