7 A.M.
Most of the men came down to breakfast Sunday morning . What with the storm and the worry about stocks keeping them awake most of the night , they were without exception nervous and cross , particularly Billoo . He looked like an owl that had been first stuffed and then boiled . Blenheim told me later that at various times during the night he had carried four several pints of champagne to Billoo 's room ; and at 7 A.M. , bicarbonate of soda and aromatic spirits of ammonia . `` I tell you , Sam , '' said Billoo crossly , `` I 've been awake all night thinking what it would mean to some of us -- yes , me ! -- if this storm should wreck that ferry-boat of yours . '' A lot of wet snow and wind hit the dining-room windows a series of rattling slaps .