ten o'clock in the evening
`` Come in , '' called the occupant , who had been writing at his desk in the state room , though the door was open . Dave presented himself before the commander , who was very glad to see him . Christy wiped the perspiration from his forehead , for he had evidently been working very hard all the evening . Four bells had just struck , indicating that it was ten o'clock in the evening . Flint 's prediction in regard to the weather seemed to be in the way of fulfilment , for the Bronx had been leaping mildly on a head sea for the last hour . But everything was going well , and the motion of the vessel was as satisfactory to the commander in rough water as it had been in a smooth sea . `` I am glad to see you , Dave , '' said Christy , as the steward presented himself at the door of the state room .