midnight
Glad enough I was to get below into the fo ` lk ` sle for supper , and a brief rest and respite from that cruelty on deck . A bit of salt junk and a piece of bread , i.e. biscuit , flinty as a pantile , with a pot of something sweetened with `` longlick '' -LRB- molasses -RRB- , made an apology for a meal , and I turned in . In a very few minutes oblivion came , making me as happy as any man can be in this world . The hideous noise always considered necessary in those ships when calling the watch , roused me effectively at midnight , `` eight bells . '' I hurried on deck , fully aware that no leisurely ten minutes would be allowed here . `` Lay aft the watch , '' saluted me as I emerged into the keen strong air , quickening my pace according to where the mate stood waiting to muster his men . As soon as he saw me , he said , `` Can you steer ? ''