noon
`` By jingo , I wonder what 's in the wind now ! '' exclaimed Mr Stormcock , making a grab at his sword-belt , which he had unfastened for comfort after his breakfast , laying it alongside him on the locker while taking his snooze . `` It 's always ` All hands , ' or ` Quarters , ' or the ` Fire Bell , ' or something ! I was just thinking of going into my cabin and having a fair lay off the land till noon , for there 's nothing for me to do on deck ; when here comes this hanged rattle of the drum , confound it , to upset my caulk . A fellow ca n't call his soul his own aboard ship -- a sailor 's life 's a dog 's life , by jingo ! '' `` Ah ! my little friend , here you are , I see , in your proper place , '' said Commander Nesbitt kindly to me , on my ranging myself by his side on the poop , where he was standing with the captain ; for , being his special messenger , or aide-de-camp , so to speak , although it was not really my watch on deck again till late in the afternoon , I thought on hearing the drummer beat to quarters that I ought to go to him at once .