nine o'clock
It was reported that the object of our visit was to intercept and capture a blockade runner said to be aiming for that port . The news received an enthusiastic welcome fore and aft . The billet of `` fleet messenger '' was becoming tiresome . The land had been sighted at two bells -LRB- nine o'clock -RRB- , and all hands were looking for Cienfuegos , but it was past one before the mouth of the harbor was gained . The `` Yankee 's '' crew were at regular quarters at the time , but a hurried order to dismiss and clear ship for action sent the different guns ' crews scurrying to their stations . To add to the interest , word came from the bridge to train the guns aft and to do everything possible to disguise the cruiser . `` We are to masquerade as a blooming merchantman , '' chuckled `` Dye . ''