About nine o'clock
Every officer and seaman had put on his best uniform , and we were in `` show '' order , above and below decks . The American flag was flying at the peak , and , in honor of the English guests who were to come on board , I had hoisted the British flag at the fore . Both boats ' crews were in readiness to bring off the party as soon as they appeared on the Market Wharf . About nine o'clock we got a signal from that locality , but there was no party there , and the signal came from the mate . `` You went off early , Washburn , '' I said , as he came up the gangway steps . `` I was afraid the matter would get cold if I waited , '' replied the mate , who seemed to be in excellent humor . `` What matter is that ? ''