eight o'clock
The phalanx moved with an even stroke , and each bare foot advanced just so many inches at every third sweep of the broom , while the yellow-haired Norse ` prentice played the hose in front of them . Mr. Barker perceived that they would overtake him before long , and he determined on flight , not forward or aft , but aloft ; and he leisurely lifted himself into the main-shrouds , and climbing half-way , hooked his feet through the ratlines . In this position he took out a cigar , lighted it with a vesuvian , and , regardless of the increased motion imparted to him at his greater elevation , he began to smoke . The atmosphere below must have been very oppressive indeed to induce Mr. Barker to come up before breakfast -- in fact , before eight o'clock -- for the sake of smoking a solitary cigar up there by the catharpings . Mr. Barker wanted to think , for an idea had struck him during the night . In ten minutes the parade of deck-swabbers had passed , and Claudius also appeared on deck , looking haggard and pale . He did not see Barker , for he turned , seaman-like , to the weatherside , and the try-sail hid his friend from his sight .