About two o'clock
It was the middle watch , from midnight to four in the morning ; Cuff was lying athwart-ships , or cross-wise of the top , and near the fore part of it , where there were no topsail nor topmast-shrouds to prevent a fall . There was , indeed , a `` life-line '' from the first topmast-shroud , on each side , to the cap-shore amidships , but it was breast high , and of course afforded no security to a man who was lying down . My head was pillowed upon Old Cuff 's side , the midshipman 's head was on my breast , and the rest of my earthly tabernacle was occupied as a bolster by as many of the quarter watch as could get near me . About two o'clock , I was suddenly awoke by the abduction of my living pillow , and the consequent collision of my head against one of the top burton-blocks . At the same time I heard a whizzing noise , like a rope running swiftly through a block , but none of us took much notice of it ; the midshipman growled some at my fidgeting about while fixing another pillow , but the absence of the captain of the top was not perceived . At seven bells , or half past three , the midshipman of the quarter deck hailed , `` Main-top there ! answer your musters , in the main-top . ''