eight o'clock
If the steamer was armed , as probably she was , an action would be likely to come off , and the young lieutenant could not remain idle while a battle was in prospect . His quick eye enabled him to take in all he saw without much study , and only one thing bothered him . In the waist , secured on blocks , was something like the ordinary whaleboat used in the navy ; but it was somewhat larger than those with which he was familiar in the discharge of his duties , and differed in other respects from them . The first watch would begin at eight o'clock , and all hands were still on duty . `` What do you call this boat , Mr. Carlin ? '' asked Christy , as the third lieutenant was passing him . `` I call it a nondescript craft , '' replied the officer , laughing .