Midnight
Eight bells had been struck , indicating midnight , which was the hour at which he was directed to break the seal . The first lieutenant was quite as much interested in ascertaining the destination of the Bronx as the commander . Christy had invited him to his cabin . `` Midnight is rather an odd time for the opening of the envelope containing the orders , '' said Mr. Flint , as he seated himself at the table . `` But I suppose it was chosen for a purpose . '' `` Undoubtedly ; headed to the south-west the ship would be off the passes of the Mississippi at eight bells in the forenoon . If we are sent to Lake Pontchartrain or Ship Island , we should be a long way off our course at that time , '' added Christy , as he broke the seal of the envelope .