midnight
I can not say if this is usual , but that it occurred on this ship is a fact to which I can testify -- a fact to which my attention was to be drawn dramatically . The night was steamingly hot , and because I welcomed the circumstance that my own port was widely opened , I reflected that those on the lower decks might be open also . A faint sense of danger stirred within me ; indeed , I sat upright and was about to spring out of my berth when that occurred which induced me to change my mind . All passengers had long since retired , and a midnight silence descended upon the ship , for we were not yet close enough to port for any unusual activities to have commenced . Clearly outlined in the open porthole there suddenly arose that same grotesque silhouette which I had seen once before . Prompted by I know not what , I lay still and simulated heavy breathing ; for it was evident to me that I must be partly visible to the watcher , so bright was the night . For ten -- twenty -- thirty seconds he studied me in absolute silence , that gaunt thing so like a mummy ; and , with my eyes partly closed , I watched him , breathing heavily all the time .