5
o'clock
`` So much the better , '' said Frank . The Algonquin was not , in the true sense of the word , a passenger steamer . She had accommodations for some , but she was primarily a freighter , detoured this trip to carry a cargo of oil to the Argentine capital . The vessel lifted anchor and steamed down the Thames promptly at 5 o'clock . At 6 the lads found themselves at dinner at the captain 's table . There , too , they found Mrs. Wheaton and her daughter , Elizabeth . Introductions followed .