about four o’clock in the morning
They were all so reduced by sickness that no watches could be kept . Those who were able to walk remained all the time on duty , lying about in the shadows of the main deck , till my voice raised for an order would bring them to their enfeebled feet , a tottering little group , moving patiently about the ship , with hardly a murmur , a whisper amongst them all . And every time I had to raise my voice it was with a pang of remorse and pity . Then about four o'clock in the morning a light would gleam forward in the galley . The unfailing Ransome with the uneasy heart , immune , serene , and active , was getting ready for the early coffee for the men . Presently he would bring me a cup up on the poop , and it was then that I allowed myself to drop into my deck chair for a couple of hours of real sleep . No doubt I must have been snatching short dozes when leaning against the rail for a moment in sheer exhaustion ; but , honestly , I was not aware of them , except in the painful form of convulsive starts that seemed to come on me even while I walked .