midnight
For several days , during which we captured another whale , we were cruising about , in the hopes of finding a passage through the ice . We were now joined by a squadron of six other ships , all bent on the same object that we were , to find our way across Baffin 's Bay to a spot called Pond 's Bay , which has been found , of late years , to be frequented by a large number of whales . I have before forgot to mention the great length of the days ; indeed , for some time past there had scarcely been any night . Now , for the first time in my life , I saw the sun set and rise at midnight . It was my first watch ; and , as eight bells were struck , the sun , floating majestically on the horizon , began again its upward course through the sky . On the other side the whole sky was tinged with a rich pink glow , while the sky above was of a deep clear blue . I could scarcely tear myself from the spectacle , till old David laughed heartily at me for remaining on deck when it was my watch below .