six o'clock
An hour and forty minutes later , the car drew up outside the coast-guard station . `` Captain Syllenger presents his compliments , Mr. Hyde , and requests your company on board , '' said Sub-lieutenant Barry when the _ Capella 's _ boat arrived to take off the midshipman . `` Ton my word , you have n't been long . We did n't expect you back before six o'clock . '' Having received his guest , Captain Syllenger led the way to his cabin , Barry and Ross being included in the party . The skipper 's face glowed with satisfaction when he had opened the envelope , for the signal as decoded was as follows : '' -LRB- words missing -RRB- closely patrolled . Unable to provide stores here .