eight o'clock
But , on second thoughts , I saw the wisdom of abandoning both these courses . Nor for the same reason did I feel inclined to board the steamer , which I could see lying out in the harbour , until darkness had fallen . I ascertained , however , that she was due to sail at midnight , and that the mails were already being got aboard . Almost exactly as eight o'clock was striking , I mounted the gangway , and strolled down the promenade deck to the first saloon entrance ; then calling a steward to my assistance , I had my baggage conveyed to my cabin , where I set to work arranging my little knicknacks , and making myself comfortable for the voyage that lay before us . So far I had seen nothing of my friends , and , on making inquiries , I discovered that they had not yet come aboard . Indeed , they did not do so until the last boat had discharged its burden at the gangway . Then I met Lord Beckenham on the promenade deck , and unaffected was the young man 's delight at seeing me .