Nine o'clock
retorted the oldster , forgetting himself in the heat of the moment . `` Yes , you do , '' replied Bruce , jumping up in defiance ; and there was every appearance of a disturbance , much to the delight of Jerry , who , provided that they fought , was quite indifferent which party was the victor . But a fortunate interruption took place , by the appearance of the master-at-arms . `` Nine o'clock , gentlemen , if you please -- the lights must be put out . '' `` 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 .