a quarter past eight
Back home I belonged to the Congregational Church -- '' `` Out ! '' yelled Cappy . `` Out , you vagabond ! '' The morning following Matt Peasley 's triumphant return from Panama with the steamer Tillicum , Cappy Ricks created a mild sensation in his offices by reporting for duty at a quarter past eight . Mr. Skinner was already at his desk , for he was a slave driver who drove himself fully as hard as he did those under him . He glanced up apprehensively as Cappy bustled in . `` Why , what has happened , Mr. Ricks ? ''