eight
o'clock
The greater part of the passengers from Brindisi were bound for India -- some for Bombay , others for Calcutta by way of Bombay , the nearest route there , now that a railway crosses the Indian peninsula . Among the passengers was a number of officials and military officers of various grades , the latter being either attached to the regular British forces or commanding the Sepoy troops , and receiving high salaries ever since the central government has assumed the powers of the East India Company . What with the military men , a number of rich young Englishmen on their travels , and the hospitable efforts of the purser , the time passed quickly on the Mongolia . The best of fare was spread upon the cabin tables at breakfast , lunch , dinner and the eight o'clock supper , and the ladies scrupulously changed their attire twice a day . The hours were whirled away , when the sea was tranquil , with music , dancing and games . But the Red Sea is full of caprice , and often boisterous , like most long and narrow gulfs . When the wind came from the African or Asian coast the Mongolia , with her long hull , rolled fearfully .