two o'clock in the afternoon
Captain M -- regretted the man 's bigotry : but as he never tried to make any converts , and did his duty in his situation , the captain did not attempt to interfere with his religious opinions , the more so , as he was convinced that Hardsett was sincere . The _ Aspasia _ was but a short time in harbour , for the captain was anxious to add to the laurels which he had already won : and having reported the ship ready for sea , received an order to proceed to the West India station . The frigate was unmoored , the blue-peter hoisted , and the fore-topsail loosened as the signal for departure : and after lying a short time with her anchor `` short stay apeak , '' Captain M -- came on board , the anchor was run up to the bows , and once more the frigate started , like an armed knight in search of battle and adventure . It was two o'clock in the afternoon , and the tenants of the gun-room had assembled to their repast . `` Now all my misery is about to commence , '' cried Courtenay , as he took his seat at the gun-room table , on which the dinner was smoking in all the variety of pea-soup , Irish stew , and boiled mutton with caper sauce . `` Indeed ! '' said the master .