midnight
`` I will call my flag lieutenant . Kindly see that the paymaster is sent to me , Captain . '' Fifteen minutes later the Admiral 's letter of instruction had been signed , and a substantial amount of money enclosed . On coming off deck duty at eight bells , midnight , Lieutenant Totten was instructed to order a launch alongside . Then , with the bulky envelope in an inner pocket , and accompanied by Seaman Runkle , Totten went over the side . A few minutes later the launch delivered them at the mole , then glided out into the bay . `` I hope we sha n't run into a gang of hoodlums again , '' said the sailorman respectfully .