four o'clock
And one day is just like another ; we were jumped about all day long when we were plebes , and we are still at it . '' Every minute of Robert 's life was interesting and never had it been so full of zest as in this , his last year at Annapolis . He enjoyed his rank with its duties and authority as cadet lieutenant , also his studies and drills were engrossing . These days , though so crowded with detail , were much the same ; several hours daily were spent in preparing lessons ; recitations followed , and then at four o'clock came the afternoon drills . The practical drills supplemented the theoretical work in class rooms , and all was based upon what was to be required of the midshipmen after graduation . And as an important duty of graduated midshipmen is to teach and train enlisted men , Robert , in common with the rest of his classmates , was drilled at many different things . He commanded his own company at infantry and artillery manoeuvres and felt proud and important in this position , but at other times he was to be found at a forge , dirty with grime and sweat , or taking the place of a fireman at a boiler .