the hours from 4 to 6
Suddenly he was surprised to see old Aaron Halyard , the bo 's ` n , come over the top of the hill , leaning on his cane . Behind him walked the entire crew of the ` Angel , ' two by two . They were heading toward their Captain 's cottage . This was not only astonishing , but it was strictly against the rules , as all interviews with the Captain , while on shore , were limited to the hours from 4 to 6 P. M . It was now 7.30 . Black Pedro leaped to his feet in surprise . The men formed a line in front of the cottage -- thirty-four of them -- while old Aaron tottered forward . ''