six in the
morning
They themselves had no luck , they must remain here how long , ah , who knew how long ! They all stood there upon the beach watching the departing one until he reached the steamer , drifting idly at the length of her anchor chain . Then they remembered Mercier again , and surrounded him , not eagerly , listlessly , and asked him to the office of the Administrator , to have a cup of champagne . A cup of champagne , at a little after six in the morning . As they walked slowly up the beach , Mercier spoke of the beauty of the place , the extraordinary beauty of the island . They seemed not to heed him . They smiled , and reminded him that he was a newcomer , and that such was the feeling of all newcomers and that it would soon pass .