eleven o'clock
`` Clear the way , I am coming , '' was the substance of the weird sound , and in answer to it shrill whistles sounded on all sides , from small fleets of fishing-boats , coal hulks , and cargo boats bound from far-off lands . `` We are here too , '' they panted in answer ; `` do n't run us down , please . '' It was eerie work , even for the passengers , who remained in blissful ignorance of the danger of their situation . By rights the ship should have been in dock before breakfast ; they had planned the night before that an early dawn should see them awake and preparing to land ; yet here was eleven o'clock , and from what the more hardy of them could learn by direct questioning of those in authority , they had not as yet passed Canvey Island . Dick Grant , ship 's doctor and therefore free of access to inquirers , underwent a searching examination from all and sundry . The P. & O. regulations are , that the officers shall not talk or in any way become friendly with any of the passengers ; the ship 's doctor and the purser share the responsibility of looking after their clients ' comfort , well-being , and amusement . On occasions such as a fog , when the hearts of passengers are naturally full of questions as to where they are , how long will the fog last , is there any danger , and ought we to have on our life-belts , these two afore-mentioned officials have a busy time .