one before twelve o'clock at night
Captain Wilson was also occupied with his telescope , so were many of the officers and midshipmen , and the men at the mastheads used their eyes , but there was nothing but a few small fishing-boats to be seen . So they all went down to breakfast , as the ship was hove-to close in with the land . `` What will Easy bet , '' said one of the midshipmen , `` that we do n't see a prize to-day ? '' `` I will not bet that we do not see a vessel -- but I 'll bet you what you please , that we do not take one before twelve o'clock at night . '' `` No , no , that wo n't do -- just let the teapot travel over this way , for it 's my forenoon watch . '' `` It 's a fine morning , '' observed one of the mates , of the name of Martin ; `` but I 've a notion it wo n't be a fine evening . '' `` Why not ? ''