midnight
He had lighted the binnacle lamp , by which he saw that the boat 's head was turned now to one , now to another point of the compass . Several times he got up to look about ; though no sailing vessel could near them , a steamer might , and often and often he fancied he heard the sound of one in the distance . Hour after hour passed by ; he looked at his watch , which had fortunately kept good time . At midnight he roused up Desmond , charging him to keep a good look out for any sudden squall . `` Which way it may come it is impossible to say , but I think very likely from the point for which we are steering , '' he observed . Bird was of the same opinion . `` We 'll not be caught napping , sir , '' he said , as Tom lay down , thankful for the prospect of getting some rest .