midnight
This would explain the complete immobility of the compartment . It is true that the walls are of bolted plates , and that there is a vague smell of salt water , that odor _ sui generis _ which generally pervades the interior of a ship , and which there is no mistaking . An interval , which I estimate at about four hours , must have passed since my incarceration . It must therefore be near midnight . Shall I be left here in this way till morning ? Luckily , I dined at six o'clock , which is the regular dinner-hour at Healthful House . I am not suffering from hunger .