His watching was in vain.
No ship appeared upon the desert sea.

"By the name of a Kabyle!" he broke out impatiently, "his Excellency is grossly negligent!" Although the days and nights had become reduced from twenty-four hours to twelve, Captain Servadac would not accept the new condition of things, but resolved to adhere to the computations of the old calendar.
Notwithstanding, therefore, that the sun had risen and set twelve times since the commencement of the new year, he persisted in calling the following day the 6th of January.

His watch enabled him to keep an accurate account of the passing hours.
In the course of his life, Ben Zoof had read a few books.

After pondering one day, he said: "It seems to me, captain, that you have turned into Robinson Crusoe, and that I am your man Friday.

I hope I have not become a negro." "No," replied the captain.