eight o'clock
A strange word for the mate to even _ imagine _ he had heard . A senseless , unlikely word . But this word being the only clear and definite statement in these grotesque and dismal ravings was comparatively restful to his mind . Powell 's mind rested on it still when he came up at eight o'clock to take charge of the deck . It was a moonless night , thick with stars above , very dark on the water . A steady air from the west kept the sails asleep . Franklin mustered both watches in low tones as if for a funeral , then approaching Powell : `` The course is east-south-east , '' said the chief mate distinctly .