noon
But he told us there was nothing unusual to be seen . At eight o'clock , when we came on deck for the eight to twelve watch , I saw the Sailmaker coming forrard along the deck , from the Second Mate 's old berth . He had his rule in his hand , and I knew he had been measuring the poor beggars in there , for their burial outfit . From breakfast time until near noon , he worked , shaping out three canvas wrappers from some old sailcloth . Then , with the aid of the Second Mate and one of the hands , he brought out the three dead chaps on to the after hatch , and there sewed them up , with a few lumps of holy stone at their feet . He was just finishing when eight bells went , and I heard the Old Man tell the Second Mate to call all hands aft for the burial . This was done , and one of the gangways unshipped .