nine o'clock
The steward , at his request , brought him up an oil-cloth coat belonging to Captain Gordon , and thus protected from the penetrating mist , he gave himself up to the long and anxious watch before him . Darkness came down upon them , and the Flyaway still rolled and pitched in the heavy head-sea . The wind did not sensibly increase , and Paul dared to hope that the gale would not break upon them . At nine o'clock he bade half the boys go below and turn in , assuring them they would be called at one o'clock . The order was obeyed , but not one of the boys could sleep until nearly half of their watch below had expired . Hour after hour Paul kept his position at the helm , till the clock in the cabin indicated midnight . The watch on deck had taken turns at the lookout on the bowsprit .