10
p.m.
J.T. Maston was , as usual , saying strong things to the learned Belfast , who was getting angry too . The Secretary of the Gun Club declared for the thousandth time that he had just perceived the projectile , adding even that Michel Ardan 's face had appeared at one of the port-lights . He was emphasising his arguments by a series of gestures which his redoubtable hook rendered dangerous . At that moment Belfast 's servant appeared upon the platform -- it was 10 p.m. -- and gave him a telegram . It was the message from the Commander of the Susquehanna . Belfast tore the envelope , read the inclosure , and uttered a cry . `` What is it ? ''