five o'clock
The crew , like a child that suddenly tires of being naughty , bent to their oars , and the boat slid through the water under long , swinging strokes ... * * * * * Regatta-day broke calm and clear . The hands were piped to breakfast , and the Quartermaster of the Morning Watch , as the latest authority on the vagaries of the barometer , entered the Petty Officers ' mess with the air of one in the intimate confidence of the High Gods . `` Glass ` igh an ' steady , '' he announced , helping himself to sausage and mashed potatoes . `` We 'll ` ave it calm till mebbe five o'clock , then it 'll blow from the south ` ard . That 's down the course . But we wo n't ` ave no rain to-day . '' The Captain of the Forecastle , who read his `` Old Moore 's Almanac , '' and was susceptible to signs and portents , confirmed the optimism of the Quartermaster .