nine o'clock
The ladies were in raptures , and some of the gentlemen shared the enthusiasm . The boys left their seats , and walked about the upper deck . Then Miss Blanche thought she had better walk for a time before breakfast , and very soon the whole party were occupied in the same manner . The commander had appointed a conference at nine o'clock , and several interesting subjects were to be considered . Captain Ringgold was not disposed to drive his ship at her best speed , which was over sixteen knots an hour ; but he had instructed Mr. Shafter , the chief engineer , to give her about fourteen knots , for she was more comfortable at this rate than when forced to do her utmost , to say nothing of the saving of coal . At this rate she would arrive at Bombay in ten days , including a stop of one day at Aden . In this time he expected to accomplish a great deal in the school of the conference .