two in the morning
`` This 'll be your bunk , '' interposed Dan hastily ; `` put your things in there , and when you are in yourself you 'll be as comfortable as a oyster in its shell . '' The visitor complied , and , first extracting from the bundle some tins of meat and a bottle of whiskey , which he placed upon the table , nervously requested the honour of the present company to supper . With the exception of Joe , who churlishly climbed back into his bunk , the men complied , all agreeing that boys of Billy 's age should be reared on strong teetotal principles . Supper over , Private Smith and his protectors retired to their couches , where the former lay in much anxiety until two in the morning , when they got under way . `` It 's all right , my lad , '' said Dan , after the watch had been set , as he came and stood by the deserter 's bunk ; `` I 've saved you -- I 've saved you for twenty-five shillings . '' `` I wish it was more , '' said Private Smith politely . The old man sighed -- and waited .