nine o'clock
`` Perhaps not , '' said Mrs Gilmour , smiling in response with the chuckle he indulged in at the recollection of his old joke on his way home from the dockyard ; and Dick entering the room at the same moment , with a broad grin on his face as if he knew what they were talking about , she added -- `` Sure , here he is to spake for himself ! Are you ready to go home with the Captain , Dick ? '' `` Yes , mum , '' answered the lad promptly . `` Sarah told me as how the good gentleman allers went away sharp at nine o'clock , and so I comes up as the bell rung . '' `` That 's right , sharp 's the word and quick 's the motion ; so we 'd better be off , '' said the old sailor , taking his hat and stick which the housemaid , Sarah aforesaid , brought in from the hall . `` Good-night , ma'am , -- good-night , chickabiddies ! '' `` Good-night ! ''