midnight
`` Not when we shipped that big ` un sir . However , praise the Lord , we 're all safe , and I wish I could say as much for our poor commerades . It 'll take two days to get the fleet together , and then we shall hear more . '' At midnight a lull became easily perceptible , and the bruised , worn-out seafarers gathered for a little while to hold a prayer-meeting after their fashion . They were dropping asleep , but they offered their thanks in their own simple way ; and when Ferrier said , `` I 've just had a commonplace thought that was new , however , to me : the fishermen endure this all the year , and do their work without having any saloons to take shelter in , '' then Fullerton softly answered , `` Thank God to hear you say that . You 'll be one of us now , and I wish we could only give thousands the same experience , for then this darkened population might have some light and comfort and happiness . '' And now let me close a plain account of a North Sea gale .