nine o'clock
Everybody had a good time , and at the close of the meal a toast was drunk -- in spring water -- to the continued success of Spurling & Company . The boys went ashore early . No trawling was done the next morning , as it was the regular day for the trip to Matinicus . The _ Barracouta _ started at nine o'clock . At about the same time the yacht catted her anchor , fired a farewell gun , and proceeded eastward , her passengers first lining up and giving three cheers for their guests of the night before , and receiving a similar salute in return . `` Perce , '' said Jim as the sloop rose and sank on the swells on her way over to Seal Island , `` if you wo n't think me impertinent , I 'd like to ask you a question . '' `` Fire ahead ! ''