three
o'clock
The pier itself was crowded with officers , with a sprinkling of women and children -- most of them looking impatient enough at being kept ashore instead of being allowed to seek their quarters on the ship . Great heaps of trunks were stacked here and there , and a crane was steadily at work swinging them aboard . `` We ca n't go aboard yet , nobody seems to know why , '' Bob said . `` An individual called an embarkation officer , or something of the kind , has to check our passports ; he was supposed to be here before three o'clock , but there 's no sign of him yet , and every one has to wait his convenience . It 's hard on the women with little children -- the poor mites are getting tired and cross . Luggage can be left in the care of the ship 's hands , to be loaded ; I 'll show you where , sir , if you like . Is this yours ? ''