10:57
They seemed to be all close as usual , but I now observed for the first time that they were covered with heavy tarpauling . Wondering in my own mind what could be the reason for these extra precautions I did not say anything to M. Letourneur , but determined to wait until the mate should come on watch , when he would doubtless give me , I thought , an explanation of the mystery . The sun rose gloriously , with every promise of a fine dry day . The waning moon was yet above the western horizon , for as it still wants three days to her last quarter she does not set until 10:57 A. M. On consulting my almanac , I find that there will be a new moon on the 24th , and that on that day , little as it may affect us here in mid-ocean , the phenomenon of the high syzygian tides will take place on the shores of every continent and island . At the breakfast hour M. Letourneur and Andre went below for a cup of tea , and I remained on the poop alone . As I expected , Curtis appeared , that he might relieve Lieutenant Walter of the watch . I advanced to meet him , but before he even wished me good morning , I saw him cast a quick and searching glance upon the deck , and then , with a slightly contracted brow , proceed to examine the state of the weather and the trim of the sails .