eight o'clock precisely
The ensign , taking advantage of their occupation , indulged himself in a reverie that lasted until the beverage had been declared ready . The presence of the doctor , acting as a check upon the further allusion by the friends to the topic that had hitherto engrossed their attention , the little conversation that ensued was of a general nature , neither of them , however , cared much to contribute to it , so that the doctor found and pronounced them for that evening anything but entertaining companions . He , however , consoled himself with copious potations from the punch-bowl , and filled the room with dense clouds of smoke , that were in themselves , sufficient to produce the drowsiness that Ronayne pleaded in excuse of his taciturnity . After his second glass , Elmsley , reminding the ensign that he expected him as well as the punch-brewer to breakfast with him in the morning at eight o'clock precisely , took his departure for the guard room , for the night . It was about seven o'clock on the morning succeeding the occurrences detailed in the preceding chapters , that Lieutenant Elmsley waited on the commanding officer , to relate that the fishing boat was at length in sight . These tidings were communicated as Captain Headley was preparing to sit down to breakfast -- a refreshment , to which the fatigue of mind and body he had undergone during the night had not a little disposed him . True , however , to his character , he stayed not for the meal , but instantly arose , and taking his telescope accompanied the subaltern to the flagstaff battery , whence the best view of the river was commanded .