ten
o'clock
exclaimed Captain Battleton , gazing very earnestly into the face of his passenger . `` I did not , captain , '' replied Christy quietly , though he was amused rather than disquieted by the earnestness of the commander . `` You did not ? '' `` Certainly not ; and if my simple affirmation is not enough , I could prove that I slept in my father 's house at Bonnydale last night , took my breakfast there this morning , and was in the city of New York at ten o'clock this forenoon , '' answered Christy , in the best of humor . `` This is very strange , '' said Captain Battleton , fixing his gaze upon the planks on which he stood , possibly considering whether he or his passenger was dreaming or out of his head . `` If I were still at Brooklyn doubtless I could find the boatman who put me on board of the Vernon not more than an hour ago , '' continued Christy , willing to convince his auditor that he was entirely in earnest in his statement . `` I beg your pardon , Mr. Passford , but I did not intend to question the truth of your reply to my question , '' said the commander , fearing that he had overstated his doubts .