nine o'clock
said Mesty -- `` how him cut caper . De oder day he hawl out de weather ear-ring , and touch him hat to a midshipman . Sure enough , make um cat laugh . '' The next day , the _ Harpy _ was at anchor in Gibraltar Bay ; the captain went on shore , directing the gig to be sent for him before nine o'clock ; after which hour the sally-port is only opened by special permission . There happened to be a ball given by the officers of the garrison on that evening , and a polite invitation was sent to the officers of H.M. sloop _ Harpy _ . As those who accepted the invitation would be detained late , it was not possible for them to come off that night . And as their services were required for the next day , Captain Wilson allowed them to remain on shore until seven o'clock the next morning , at which hour , as there was a large party , there would be two boats sent for them .