seven o'clock
Once , in company with his uncle , he had been compelled to pass the night on the ocean in a small sailboat used for fishing purposes . Robert left his valise in the stateroom and went into the saloon . A gong was heard , which he found was the announcement of supper . It was now past seven o'clock and he felt hungry . He accordingly followed the crowd downstairs and ate a hearty meal . When he went upstairs again the band soon began to play and helped to while away the time . Some of the passengers read papers , others read books and magazines , while others from the outer decks watched the progress of the large boat as it swiftly coursed over the waves .