twelve
o'clock
This story has , like many other good stories , been pirated , and applied to other cases ; but I claim it as the legitimate property of the navy , and can vouch for its origin as I have related . My messmates dropped in one after another until our number was completed ; and at length a note , in an envelope addressed to the first lieutenant `` on service , '' and marked on the lower left hand corner with the name of the noble writer , announced that our captain would make his appearance on the following day . We were of course prepared to receive him in our full uniforms with our cocked hats and swords , with the marine guard under arms . He came alongside at half-past twelve o'clock , when the men were at dinner , an unusual hour to select , as it is not the custom ever to disturb them at their meals if it can be avoided . He appeared in a sort of undress frock coat , fall down collar , anchor buttons , no epaulettes , and a lancer 's cap , with a broad gold band . This was not correct , but as he was a lord , he claimed privilege , and on this rock of privilege we found afterwards that he always perched himself on every occasion . We were all presented to him ; and to each he condescended to give a nod .