ten o'clock
She ran to the side to gaze at a big liner , and as far as Gravesend besieged the skipper and mate with questions concerning the various craft . At the mate 's suggestion they had tea on deck , at which meal William Henry Cooper became a source of much discomfort to his host by his remarkable discoveries anent the fauna of lettuce . Despite his efforts , however , and the cloud under which Evans seemed to be labouring , the meal was voted a big success ; and after it was over they sat laughing and chatting until the air got chilly , and the banks of the river were lost in the gathering darkness . At ten o'clock they retired for the night , leaving Evans and the mate on deck . `` Nice gal , that , '' said the mate , looking at the skipper , who was leaning moodily on the wheel . `` Ay , ay , '' replied he . `` Bill , '' he continued , turning suddenly towards the mate .