About three in the morning
`` One passenger gave his steward a sovereign as he was leaving the ship , and in half an hour the steward was carried to his berth in a fit -- alcoholic in its origin . Another steward was observed openly drinking the passengers ' whisky . When accused , he did n't even attempt to defend himself ; the great Thursday Island thirst seemed to have communicated itself to everyone on board , and he simply _ had _ to drink . `` About three in the morning a tour of the ship disclosed the following state of affairs : Captain 's room full of captains solemnly tight ; smoking-room empty , except for the inanimate form of the captain who had been boozed all the week , and was now sleeping peacefully with his feet on the sofa and his head on the floor . The saloon was full of captains and passengers -- the latter mostly in a state of collapse or laughing and singing deliriously ; the rails lined with firemen who had business over the side ; stewards ditto . `` At last the Thursday Islanders departed , unsteadily , but still on their feet , leaving a demoralized ship behind them . And young MacTavish , who has seen a thing or two in his brief span , staggered to his berth , saying , ` My God !