eleven o'clock
If he had indeed left London intending to reach the New World , he would naturally take the route via India , which was less watched and more difficult to watch than that of the Atlantic . But Fix 's reflections were soon interrupted by a succession of sharp whistles , which announced the arrival of the Mongolia . The porters and fellahs rushed down the quay , and a dozen boats pushed off from the shore to go and meet the steamer . Soon her gigantic hull appeared passing along between the banks , and eleven o'clock struck as she anchored in the road . She brought an unusual number of passengers , some of whom remained on deck to scan the picturesque panorama of the town , while the greater part disembarked in the boats , and landed on the quay . Fix took up a position , and carefully examined each face and figure which made its appearance . Presently one of the passengers , after vigorously pushing his way through the importunate crowd of porters , came up to him and politely asked if he could point out the English consulate , at the same time showing a passport which he wished to have visaed .