midnight
But nothing in comparison with what was seen that night . In the Atlantic , there is very seldom any portion of the ocean luminous , except the crests of the waves ; and these mostly appear so during wet , murky weather . Whereas , in the Pacific , all instances of the sort , previously corning under my notice , had been marked by patches of greenish light , unattended with any pallidness of sea . Save twice on the coast of Peru , where I was summoned from my hammock to the alarming midnight cry of `` All hands ahoy ! tack ship ! '' And rushing on deck , beheld the sea white as a shroud ; for which reason it was feared we were on soundings . Now , sailors love marvels , and love to repeat them .