about twelve o'clock
`` Well , youngster , '' replied the first lieutenant , `` perhaps your ideas are correct , and if you wish it , I will not enforce that part of my order ; but , '' continued he to Mr Trotter , `` I desire , sir , that your wife leave the ship immediately ; and I trust that when I have reported your conduct to the captain , he will serve you in the same manner . In the meantime , you will consider yourself under an arrest for drunkenness . '' Scandalum magnatum clearly proved -- I prove to the captain that I consider him a gentleman , although I had told him the contrary , and I prove to the midshipmen that I am a gentleman myself -- They prove their gratitude by practising upon me , because practice makes perfect . The captain came on board about twelve o'clock , and ordered the discharge of Mr Trotter to be made out , as soon as the first lieutenant had reported what had occurred . He then sent for all the midshipmen on the quarter-deck . `` Gentlemen , '' said the captain to them , with a stern countenance , `` I feel very much indebted to some of you for the character which you have been pleased to give of me to Mr Simple . I must now request that you will answer a few questions which I am about to put in his presence .