three in the afternoon
`` Ay , ay , '' answered the mate , `` I 'm coming , boss . '' And he forthwith proceeded to descend the rigging in a careless nonchalant manner which evidently drove his superior almost to the verge of frenzy . Half an hour passed , and then there appeared far away on the horizon , on the brig 's lee quarter , a tiny white speck , which steadily though imperceptibly increased in size until the snowy royals of a large ship stood fully revealed . This was about half-past three in the afternoon , at which time the wind showed signs of failing . By half-past four o'clock the stranger had risen her topgallant-sails above the horizon , and it could clearly be seen , even with the unaided eye , that she had royal as well as topgallant studding-sails set , and there could not be a shadow of doubt that she was after the brig. The spirits of our friends rose to such a high pitch of exultation at this agreeable sight that they found it difficult to conceal their delight when Johnson , abandoning his post near the helmsman , joined them . `` Well , strangers , '' he remarked with a grim smile , `` there 's a chance for you yet , you see . That 's one of them cursed frigates you was talking about this morning , colonel , but she 's a tarnation sight smarter 'n I gave any of 'em credit for being .