one o'clock
They talked of what Lydia had seen at Gibraltar , where Staniford had been on a former voyage . Dunham had made it a matter of conscience to know all about it beforehand from his guide-books , and had risen early that morning to correct his science by his experience in a long entry in the diary which he was keeping for Miss Hibbard . The captain had the true sea-farer 's ignorance , and was amused at the things reported by his passengers of a place where he had been ashore so often ; Hicks 's absence doubtless relieved him , but he did not comment on the cabin-boy 's announcement that he was still asleep , except to order him let alone . They were seated at their one o'clock dinner before the recluse made any sign . Then he gave note of his continued existence by bumping and thumping sounds within his state-room , as if some one were dressing there in a heavy sea . `` Mr. Hicks seems to be taking his rough weather retrospectively , '' said Staniford , with rather tremulous humor . The door was flung open , and Hicks reeled out , staying himself by the door-knob .