nine o'clock
Handy himself was deep in the study of the élite directory , and under his direction a large number of envelopes were carefully addressed . The work went on systematically . Night at last arrived , and all hands enjoyed a respite from clerical labor . At nine o'clock the company went ashore , carrying with them their tent , costumes and properties -- such as they were . It was a busy night on land , and their strenuous exertions , under the cover of darkness , accomplished wonders under Handy 's guidance . It was next door to daylight when they got back to the ship to take a rest before the arduous work of the eventful day began . Before noon the canvas showhouse on the corner was the principal subject of conversation throughout the town .