midnight
`` All right , sir , we 'll see , '' was the mate 's cautious answer . Meanwhile , the after-glow faded out of the sky and the stars began to come out in batches , especially to the north-west , where they shone as bright as diamonds , blinking and twinkling with various colours as one looked at them steadfastly , and seeming ever so much larger than usual . A faint stir in the air also became perceptible , and the idle sails , that had so long flapped against the yards lazily only with the roll of the ship as she lurched to port or starboard with the ocean swell , were crumpled out a bit , as if they half felt inclined to expand their folds ; but there was not wind enough for this , so they presently flattened themselves again , determined , apparently , to take it easy . The time then came to set the first watch , from eight to midnight , of which Jackson , now , as second mate , took charge , when the captain went below , saying he was going to turn in early , so as to be ready when the breeze came , giving strict instructions to be called as soon as any change was apparent . Mr Marline , however , did not go below ; so I remained on the poop with him and Jackson , the two walking up and down the deck and talking together while I stood by . The sky was wonderfully clear now , the firmament being studded with the greater constellations , and myriads of the lesser lights of the night powdering the heavens with their golden dust everywhere . But this was not for long .