four
o'clock in the afternoon
The commander and the executive officer paid their final visit to the Bellevite the next day , and the order was given to weigh anchor . When all hands were called , Christy thought he had never seen a better set of men except on board of the Bellevite , and the expedition , whatever it was , commenced under the most favorable auspices . The Bronx sailed in the middle of the forenoon , and the flag officer was careful not to reveal the destination of the steamer to any one , for with the aid of the telegraph , the object of the expedition might reach the scene of operations in advance of the arrival of the force . At four o'clock in the afternoon Captain Blowitt opened his envelope in presence of the executive officer . He looked the paper through before he spoke , and then handed it to Christy , who read it with quite as much interest as the commander had . `` Cedar Keys , '' said the captain , glancing at his associate . `` That is not a long run from the station , '' added Christy .