nine o'clock in the evening
The transfer of cargo , so far as the Bronx was concerned , was completed . It appeared that the flag-officer was hurrying the departure of the steamer on her mission , whatever it was . He had just had a long talk with Corny , and doubtless there was danger that the object of the cruise might be defeated by delay . In a short time the Bronx was under way , headed to the eastward , in accordance with her verbal orders , for the sealed envelope was not to be opened till nine o'clock in the evening , as Christy learned from Mr. Flint . The deck was in charge of the second lieutenant , who was seeing that everything was put in order . But it might have been observed that he was more familiar with the men than was his habit . For the first time since he came on board , Corny went below to take a look at his quarters , Dave bearing his valise before him .