two o'clock in the afternoon before
Left to himself , he became melancholy , as he realised that the great passion of his life had commenced , and would probably end within a few hours . The engineer came aboard to look at the fires , and , the steamer being now on the soft mud , good-naturedly went down and assisted him to free the propeller before going ashore again . Then he was alone once more , gazing ruefully at the bare deck of the Aquila . It was past two o'clock in the afternoon before any signs of life other than the blackbird appeared there . Then the girl came on deck again , accompanied by a stout woman of middle age , and an appearance so affable that the mate commenced at once . `` Fine day , '' he said pleasantly , as he brought up in front of them . `` Lovely weather , '' said the mother , settling herself in her chair and putting down her work ready for a chat .