After some fruitless efforts, I succeeded at last; but the
apprehension of the jeopardy in which I believed myself withstood
all the attacks of sleep till towards the morning watch, when, in
spite of my fears, I was overpowered with slumber, though I did not
long enjoy this comfortable situation, being aroused with a noise
so loud and shrill, that I thought the drums of my ears were burst
by it; this was followed by a dreadful summons pronounced by a
hoarse voice, which I could not understand. While I was debating
with myself, whether or not I should wake my companion and inquire
into the occasion of this disturbance, I was informed by one of the
quartermasters who passed by me with a lantern in his hand, that
the noise which alarmed me was occasioned by the boatswain's mates
who called up the larboard watch, and that I must lay my account
with such an interruption every morning at the same hour. Being
now more assured of my safety, I undressed myself again to rest,
and slept till eight o'clock, when rising, and breakfasting with my
comrades on biscuit and brandy, the sick were visited and assisted
as before; after which visitation my good friend Thompson explained
and performed another piece of duty, to which I was a stranger.
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