Six o'clock sharp
I do n't suppose anything is contemplated before nightfall at the earliest , and , as the troops are scattered , it would only precipitate matters if I should have them called in . '' The last bale of goods was being unloaded from the steamer when they reached the wharf . The captain and officers were smoking cigars against the rail , and catching sight of Guy , the former called out : `` Do n't forget now . Six o'clock sharp . '' Guy nodded , and followed Melton to one side , where the two sat down on a bale of cotton . Melton briefly explained how he came to be at Berbera . After his return from Burma , he had been dispatched as war correspondent of the London _ Post _ to Suakim , which town was at that time threatened by the Mahdi .