eight o'clock
I have heard of a waggish boatswain in the navy , who , when disposed to menace the crew with some of his official visitations , used to cry out , `` Fellow-citizens , I 'm coming among you ; '' and the anecdote never recurs to my mind , without bringing Marble back to my recollection . When in spirits , he had much of this bitter irony in his manner ; and his own early experience had rendered him somewhat insensible to _ professional _ suffering ; but , on the whole , I always thought him a humane man . We went into the lagoon , before the sun had risen ; and before the breakfast hour of those who lived aft , we had everything landed that was necessary , and were in possession of our tents . I had ordered Neb to attend particularly to the wants of the Mertons ; and , precisely as the bell of the ship struck eight , which , at that time of day , meant eight o'clock , the black came with the major 's compliments , inviting `` _ Captain _ '' Wallingford and `` _ Captain _ '' Marble to breakfast . `` So it goes , Miles , '' added my companion , after promising to join the party in a few moments . `` This arrangement about the schooner leaves us both captains , and prevents anything like your downhill work , which is always unpleasant business . _ Captain _ Marble and _ Captain _ Wallingford sound well ; and I hope they may long sail in company .