seven o'clock
The day seemed fitted for the work we had in hand . The sky was overcast , and occasionally a rain squall would sweep from the direction of the land , and envelop the fleet . It was not a cold , raw rain , like that encountered in more northern latitudes in early summer , but a dripping of moisture peculiarly grateful after the heat of the previous day . Shortly before seven o'clock , the members of the crew were in readiness for business . The majority had removed their superfluous clothing , and it was a stirring sight to watch the different guns ' crews , stripped to the waist and barefooted , standing at their stations . There was something in the cool , practical manner in which each man prepared for work that promised well , and it should be said to the everlasting credit of the Naval Reserves that they invariably fought with the calmness and precision of veterans whenever they were called upon . In the present case , there would have been some excuse for faint-heartedness .