midnight
`` You 'd better not interfere , Nat , '' said Owen . `` The officers probably would not listen to you , and you would only get yourself into bad odour . '' Nat did not exactly understand what that meant , but he did not mind doing anything which might benefit Owen . By midnight the gale had increased considerably , and the English crew , in addition to their previous exertions -- having to work hard at the pumps -- were almost worn-out . It was difficult , therefore , to spare hands to keep a proper look-out on the French prisoners . Mr Leigh , calling Owen , sent him below to ascertain what they were about . `` I must get the fellows to take their spell at the pumps , if not , their lives will be sacrificed as well as ours . ''