midnight
She hesitated before answering ; then : `` Certainly , Captain Tucker , provided you will sing first . '' `` Agreed . '' Tucker cleared his throat , thought a moment , then began : 'T is years since last we met , And we may not meet again , I have struggled to forget , But the struggle was in vain . For her voice lives on the breeze , And her spirit comes at will ; In the midnight , on the seas , Her bright smile haunts me still ! Dropping their various occupations the guerillas drew in about the camp fire as the familiar words of the famous rebel song reached them . Few joined in the chorus ; they were busy thinking of their sweethearts and wives far away . Tucker glanced appealingly at Nancy as he began the next verse , but her face was averted .