twelve o'clock
There was a laugh , but it was not infectious as respected the occasion of it . He shook his head mournfully , and said , `` The flippancy of rude health -- the inconsiderate laugh of strong youth ! '' With much difficulty he permitted himself to be partly carried up the ladder , and seated in all the dignity of suffering , in a chair in the fore-cabin , the two assistants standing , one on each side of him , in mute observation . It is twelve o'clock -- half-past twelve -- one -- two . The captain is coming on board -- tell the officers -- the side is manned -- the boatswain pipes -- and the little great man arrives , and , attended by Mr Farmer , enters the cabin . Prepared as he was for a deception , even he starts back with surprise at the figure before him . With one hand upon a shoulder of each of his assistants , the doctor , with an asthmatical effort , rises .