twelve o'clock
Presently the purser sent round the head-steward , a gentleman whom Arthur mistook for the first mate , so smart was his uniform , to collect the letters , and it wrung him not a little to think that he alone could send none . The bell sounded to warn all not sailing to hurry to their boats , but still there was nothing to be seen of his acquaintance of the office ; and , to speak the truth , he was just a little disappointed , for what he had seen of her had piqued his curiosity , and made him anxious to see more . `` I ca n't wait any longer , '' he heard the captain say ; `` she must come on by the _ Kinfauns _ . '' It was full twelve o'clock , and the last rope was being loosed from the moorings . `` Ting-ting , '' went the engine-room bell . `` Thud-thud , '' started the great screw that would not stop again for so many restless hours . The huge vessel shuddered throughout her frame like an awakening sleeper , and growing quick with life , forged an inch or two a-head .