eight o’clock
As we approached , the sentry hailed , `` Boat , ahoy ! '' `` Firebrand , '' sung out the skipper , in reply . `` Man the side-gangway lanterns there , '' quoth the officer on duty ; and by the time we were close to , there were two sidesmen over the side with the manropes ready stuck out to our grasp , and two boys with lanterns above them . We got on deck , the officers touching their hats , and speedily the Captain dived down the ladder , saying , as he descended , `` Mr Yerk , I shall be happy to see you and your boat 's crew at supper , or rather to a late dinner , at eight o'clock ; but come down a moment as you are . Tailtackle , bring the gigs into the cabin to get a glass of grog , will you ? '' `` Ay , ay , sir , '' responded Timothy . `` Down with you , you flaming thieves , and see you do n't snort and sniffle in your grog , as if you were in your own mess , like so many pigs slushing at the same trough . '