ten at night
`` I believe I never mentioned to you the storming of Java . Fill yourself another glass , and I 'll describe it all to you , for it will be of infinite consequence that a true narrative of this meets the public eye -- they really are quire ignorant of it . Here now is Fort Cornelius , and there is the moat , the sugar-basin is the citadel , and the tongs is the first trench , the decanter will represent the tall tower towards the south-west angle , and here , the wine glass -- this is me . Well , it was a little after ten at night that I got the order from the general in command to march upon this plate of figs , which was an open space before Fort Cornelius , and to take up my position in front of the fort , and with four pieces of field artillery -- these walnuts here -- to be ready to open my fire at a moment 's warning upon the sou-west tower ; but , my dear sir , you have moved the tower ; I thought you were drinking Madeira . As I said before , to open my fire upon the sou-west tower , or if necessary protect the sugar tongs , which I explained to you was the trench . Just at the same time the besieged were making preparations for a sortie to occupy this dish of almonds and raisins -- the high ground to the left of my position -- put another log on the fire , if you please , sir , for I can not see myself -- I thought I was up near the figs , and I find myself down near the half moon . '' `` It is past nine , '' said a servant entering the room ; `` shall I take the carriage for Miss Kamworth , sir ? ''