midnight
Mr. Lilburn and Mr. Daly each at a different time , sought out the young man , Ward 's intended victim , and tried to influence him for good . He thought he had been rescued by the interposition of some supernatural agency , and solemnly declared his fixed determination never again to approach a gaming table , and throughout the voyage adhered to his resolution , spite of every influence Ward could bring to bear upon him to break it . Yet there was gambling again the second night , between Ward and several others of his profession . They kept it up till after midnight . Then Mr. Lilburn , waking from his first sleep , in a stateroom near by , thought he would break it up once more . A deep stillness reigned in the cabin : it would seem that every one on board the vessel , except themselves and the watch on deck , was wrapped in profound slumber . An intense voiceless excitement possessed the players , for the game was a close one , and the stakes were very heavy .