She gave him a small grin. “Hey, just keep me away from the rails and I’ll be fine.” She stood up, stretched, and touched the knot again with a wince. “D’you know what time it is?”

“Six bells,” he said. “What watch you got?”

“I don’t. Miss ain’t put us on the list proper . I usually just go when Uncle goes. I wanted to know how much longer I get to sleep.” She checked the horizon for a sign of light. All was dark cloud and silver stars. She glanced back over her shoulder toward the galley. “I’m not sure if it’s worth it to sleep for just an hour or if I want to wrangle up something to eat.”

“Ah--” Starling touched her arm again, more timidly, to distract her from thoughts of the galley. “I think you might best get that hour after all. You look beat.”