about nine o'clock in the morning
`` What was you doing yesterday ? '' `` Well , sir , for one thing , I believe I had the honor of a little talk with yourself . '' `` With _ me _ ? '' `` Yes , sir ; about nine o'clock in the morning -- the sea being smooth and the ship running , as I should think , about seven knots -- you came up into the maintop , where I belong , and was pleased to ask my opinion about the best way to set a topgallant stu 'n' - sail . '' `` He 's mad ! He 's mad ! '' said the officer , with delirious conclusiveness .