twelve o'clock
Jack was the essence of politeness , took off his hat , and accepted the invitation . Jack was standing on a rope which a seaman was coiling down ; the man touched his hat and requested he would be so kind as to take his foot off . Jack took his hat off his head in return , and his foot off the rope . The master touched his hat , and reported twelve o'clock to the first lieutenant -- the first lieutenant touched his hat , and reported twelve o'clock to the captain -- the captain touched his hat , and told the first lieutenant to make it so . The officer of the watch touched his hat , and asked the captain whether they should pipe to dinner -- the captain touched his hat and said , `` If you please . '' The midshipman received his orders , and touched his hat , which he gave to the head boatswain 's mate , who touched his hat , and then the calls whistled cheerily . `` Well , '' thought Jack , `` politeness seems to be the order of the day , and every one has an equal respect for the other . ''