six o'clock in the afternoon
There was very little shaking and trembling as the powerful machinery drove her ahead over the quiet sea . There had been no very severe weather during his first cruise in the Bronx , and she had not been tested in a storm under his management , though she had doubtless encountered severe gales in crossing the Atlantic in a breezy season of the year . While Christy was planking the deck , four bells were struck on the ship 's great bell on the top-gallant forecastle . It was the beginning of the second dog watch , or six o'clock in the afternoon , and the watch which had been on duty since four o'clock was relieved . Mr. Flint ascended the bridge , and took the place of Mr. Lillyworth , the second lieutenant . Under this bridge was the pilot-house , and in spite of her small size , the steamer was steered by steam . The ship had been at sea but a few hours , and the crew were not inclined to leave the deck .