Nine o'clock
`` Very well , master-at-arms , '' replied one of the oldsters . The master-at-arms took his seat on a chest close to the door of the berth , aware that a second summons , if not a third , would be requisite , before his object was obtained . In a few minutes he again put his head into the berth . `` Nine o'clock , gentlemen , if you please . I must report you to the first-lieutenant . '' `` Very well , Byfield -- it shall be out in a minute . '' The master-at-arms resumes his station on the chest outside .