eight o'clock
Suddenly a bright flame lit up the black line of palms on the island , and then another , as two fires shone brightly out upon the beach , and continued to burn steadily . `` Ah , '' said the Greek , who just then came on deck , `` the kanakas will have gooda time to-nighta -- pork , turtle , biskeet , feesh , everythings . They are alla gooda comrade to-night too , '' and he showed his teeth in a hideous grimace which was intended for a friendly smile for the chief officer . Supper was late that night on board the _ Mahina _ ; for Mosé , the brown-skinned Manhiki steward , was , aided by the cook , preparing such a supper as had never before been seen on the brig -- at least so he told Rawlings , who had cheerfully agreed that eight o'clock was not too late . And at half-past seven Rawlings himself came below to see the table and Mosé 's ideas of decoration . `` Why , Mosé , you 're quite an artist , '' he said as he went into his state-room . `` Keep the lager as cool as you can .