seven in the evening
Nothing , therefore , could please him better than his present occupation ; and tucking his fiddle under one arm , and making a seat for the baby with the other , he descended with the most unfeigned satisfaction into the dusky depths of the bottom of the ship . How intense was the indignation of the British seamen , when , just as they were within long range of the French , they saw ship after ship wear , and , under a crowd of sail , take to an ignominious flight ! What showers of abuse were hurled after them , as were numerous random shots , though neither were much calculated to do them any harm . However , by seven in the evening , Captain Bowyer , in the _ Albion _ , who led the van , was seen to reach the centre of the enemy 's line . In the most gallant style he opened fire , supported by the _ Conqueror _ and the other ships of the van . In vain the ships of the British centre endeavoured to get into action . Every manoeuvre that could be thought of was tried , every sail was set .