midnight
`` I agree with you there . There will be plenty of work for us right up to the last minute . '' As it developed the lads were right . `` It was shortly after midnight when Jack was aroused by the third officer . `` Message from Admiral Beatty , sir , '' said the third officer , and passed Jack a slip of paper . Jack read the message , which had been hastily scribbled off by the radio operator . `` German squadron of six vessels reported to have left Helgoland and to be headed for the coast of Scotland , '' the message read .