a quarter to four
He had achieved a miraculous balance of forces within his frame , a balance which enabled him to stand his watch on the bridge and give orders to the bo ` sun , but no more . He would pass with a stealthy quietness along the deck and into his room , and there sit , his claw-like hands on the arms of his chair , his emaciated form encased in a diamond-patterned kimono , his pink jaws working noiselessly on a piece of some patent chewing gum , of which he carried a stock . Sometimes he read a page or two of a quiet story , but usually he switched off the electric and sat chewing far into the night . At a quarter to four one morning , the Asiatic sailor who came to arouse him discovered him hanging by his arms to the edge of his bunk , as though crucified , his appallingly thin limbs sprawling and exposing tattooings of astonishing design and colouring , his jaw hanging , his sunken eyes staring with senseless curiosity at a spot on the carpet . The Japanese sailor went back to Mr. Spokesly , who was on watch on the bridge , and reported impassively , `` Chief mate all same one stiff . '' Mr. Spokesly was incredulous , though he knew from experience the uncanny prescience of the Oriental in such matters . `` What ?