midnight
The gunner would be asleep alongside of his gun ; for of what use was it to stand by if one had no target ? The crew were all asleep , save the helmsman and the two lookouts on the forecastle . The chief was no doubt seated in his cabin smoking and thinking of his wife and children in Maryport . Mr. Chippenham , who came on at midnight , was asleep . And there would be Archy , turned in without a care in the world . Mr. Spokesly 's hand came in contact with the ring in his pocket . He must not forget to stow it away safely when he went below again .