the eight to twelve morning
I let it stay at that ; for there was nothing to be gained by suggesting that the thing had more to it . Then , on the following day , something happened that set me wondering more than ever , and showed me how right I had been in feeling the mist to be something unnatural . It was in this way . Five bells , in the eight to twelve morning watch , had gone . I was at the wheel . The sky was perfectly clear -- not a cloud to be seen , even on the horizon . It was hot , standing at the wheel ; for there was scarcely any wind , and I was feeling drowsy .