midnight
`` Never mind , Harry ; we shall see it in the morning , -- about Plymouth , I take it , and I shall be at home in plenty of time for our Christmas dinner , and you shall dine with me , as you wo n't be able to get to your own place . '' `` I wish that I could think so . We are nearer the English coast than you suppose , '' said Harry . `` Well , heave the schooner to at midnight , '' answered old Hulks . `` I shall go below -- call me then ; it 's fearfully cold . '' Harry was compelled to obey the orders of his superior . He , however , kept as good a look-out as he possibly could , wishing anxiously for midnight .