the hour of four
As the proceedings advanced towards completion , this feeling was rather increased than removed . Tables and chairs were a luxury that still remained to be introduced at Fort Chimo , when the men found leisure from more urgent duties to construct them . Therefore the dining-table in Stanley 's hall was composed of three large packing-cases turned bottom up . There was no cloth wherewith to cover its rough boards ; but this was a matter of little importance to the company which assembled round it , punctually at the hour of four . In place of chairs there were good substantial nail-kegs , rather low , it is true , and uncommonly hard , but not to be despised under the circumstances . Owing to the unusual demand for dishes , the pewter plates and spoons and tin drinking-cups -- for they had little crockery -- were of every form and size that the store contained ; and the floor on which it all stood was the beaten ground , for the intended plank flooring was still growing in the mountain glens . But if the equipage was homely and rude , the fare was choice and abundant ; and an odour that might have gladdened the heart of an epicure greeted the nostrils of the captain and his two mates when they entered the hall , dressed in blue surtouts with bright brass buttons , white duck trousers , and richly flowered vests -LSB- waistcoats -RSB- .