midnight
My first idea regarding the stranger -- and I know not how it should have struck me -- was that of a very powerful frame , animated by a double portion of vitality . The red light shone full on his face , and gave a ruddy tinge to the complexion , which I afterwards found it wanted -- for he was naturally of a darker hue than common ; but there was no mistaking the expression of the large flashing eyes , the features that seemed so thoroughly cast in the mould of thought , and of the broad , full , perpendicular forehead . Such , at least , was the impression on my mind , that I addressed him with more of the courtesy which my earlier pursuits had rendered familiar to me , than of the bluntness of my adopted profession . `` This sweet evening , '' I said , `` is by far too fine for our lugger ; I question whether , in these calms , we need expect her before midnight ; but , 't is well , since wait we must , that 't is in a place where the hours may pass so agreeably . '' The stranger , good-humouredly , acquiesced in the remark , and we sat down together on the dry , water-worn pebbles , mixed with fragments of broken shells and minute pieces of wreck , that strewed the opening of the cave . `` Was there ever a lovelier evening ! '' he exclaimed ; `` the waters above the firmament seem all of a piece with the waters below .