about five o'clock
No one misses you from the conning tower . '' Benson laughed , though he said , warningly : `` I reckon we 'll do as well to drop calling the gunboat the ` Dad boat ' instead of the ` parent vessel . ' '' `` Well , you need n't bother at all about the conning tower to-day , '' wound up Eph , glancing at his watch . `` It 's after half-past three at this moment and I understand we 're to drop anchor about five o'clock . '' So skipper Jack settled back with a comfortable sigh . Truth to tell , it was pleasant not to have any immediate duty , for his head throbbed , every now and then , and he felt dizzy when he tried to walk . `` Who could have hit me in that fashion , last night , and for what earthly purpose ? ''