midnight
Under these circumstances nothing remained but to warp off again to a safe distance , and to secure the boats as well as they could for the night . This was effected by eight o'clock , and Captain Truck gave the order to let go two additional kedges , being determined not to strike adrift in the darkness , if it was in his power to prevent it . When this was done , the people had their suppers , a watch was set , and the remainder went to sleep . As the three passengers had been exempted from the toil , they volunteered to look out for the safety of the boats until midnight , in order that the men might obtain as much rest as possible ; and half an hour after the crew were lost in the deep slumber of seamen , Captain Truck and these gentlemen were seated in the launch , holding a dialogue on the events of the day . `` You found the Arabs conversable and ready at the cup , Mr. Monday ? '' observed the captain , lighting a cigar , which with him was a never-failing sign for a gossip . `` Men that , if they had been sent to school young , taught to dance , and were otherwise civilized , might make reasonably good ship mates , in this roving world of ours ? ''