eight o'clock
I suffered myself , however , to be persuaded , and taking a leap to get in , threw myself quite over , with such violence , that had I not luckily got hold of Thompson 's hammock , I should have pitched upon my head on the other side , and in all likelihood fractured my skull . After some fruitless efforts , I succeeded at last ; but the apprehension of the jeopardy in which I believed myself withstood all the attacks of sleep till towards the morning watch , when , in spite of my fears , I was overpowered with slumber , though I did not long enjoy this comfortable situation , being aroused with a noise so loud and shrill , that I thought the drums of my ears were burst by it ; this was followed by a dreadful summons pronounced by a hoarse voice , which I could not understand . While I was debating with myself , whether or not I should wake my companion and inquire into the occasion of this disturbance , I was informed by one of the quartermasters who passed by me with a lantern in his hand , that the noise which alarmed me was occasioned by the boatswain 's mates who called up the larboard watch , and that I must lay my account with such an interruption every morning at the same hour . Being now more assured of my safety , I undressed myself again to rest , and slept till eight o'clock , when rising , and breakfasting with my comrades on biscuit and brandy , the sick were visited and assisted as before ; after which visitation my good friend Thompson explained and performed another piece of duty , to which I was a stranger . At a certain hour in the morning , the boy of the mess went round all the decks , ringing a small hand-bell , and , in rhymes composed for the occasion , invited all those who had sores to repair before the mast , where one of the doctor 's mates attended , with applications to dress them . I acquire the friendship of the Surgeon , who procures a warrant for me , and makes me a present of clothes -- a battle between a Midshipman and me -- the Surgeon leaves the ship -- the Captain comes on board with another Surgeon -- a dialogue between the Captain and Morgan -- the sick are ordered to be brought upon the Quarter-deck and examined -- the consequences of that order -- a Madman accuses Morgan , and is set at liberty by command of the Captain , whom he instantly attacks , and pummels without mercy While I was busied with my friend in the practice . The doctor chanced to pass by the place where we were , and stopping to observe me appeared very well satisfied with my application ; and afterwards sent for me to his cabin , where , having examined me touching my skill in surgery , and the particulars of my fortune , he interested himself so far in my behalf , as to promise his assistance in procuring a warrant for me , seeing I had already been found qualified at Surgeons ' Hall for the station I filled on board ; and in this good office he the more cordially engaged when he understood I was nephew to lieutenant Bowling , for whom he expressed a particular regard .