About eleven o'clock
Each was dressed out in our No . I suits , in most exact and unquizzable uniform , with a large bundle of log-books under our arms . We were all huddled together in a small screened canvas cabin , like so many sheep ready for slaughter . About eleven o'clock , the captains who were to be our Minos and our Rhadamanthus , made their appearance , and we all agreed that we did not much like the `` cut of their jibs . '' At twelve o'clock the first name was called . The `` desperate youth '' tried to pluck up a little courage -- he cleared his throat , pulled up his shirt collar , touched his neck-handkerchief , and seizing his cocked hat and journals , boldly followed the messenger into the captain 's cabin , where three grave-looking gentlemen , in undress uniform , awaited him . They were seated at a round table ; a clerk was at the elbow of the president ; Moore 's navigation , that wise redoubtable , lay before them ; together with a nautical almanack , a slate and pencil , ink and paper .