three o'clock
They comically waddled about like so many lame people , or suddenly started off in a great hurry for some unknown destination ; and some fell down in their excitement . And there were monkeys , learning tricks of all kinds , another source of amusement . Some were most tenderly loved and even kissed extravagantly , as they nestled against the callous bosoms of their masters , gazing fondly at them with womanish eyes , half-grotesque and half-touching . Upon the stroke of three o'clock , the quartermasters brought on deck two canvas bags , sealed with huge red seals , bearing Sylvestre 's name ; for by order of the regulations in regard to the dead , all his clothes and personal worldly belongings were to be sold by auction . The sailors gaily grouped themselves around the pile ; for , on board a hospital ship , too many of these sales of effects are seen to excite any particular emotion . Besides , Sylvestre had been but little known upon that ship . His jackets and shirts and blue-striped jerseys were fingered and turned over and then bought up at different prices , the buyers forcing the bidding just to amuse themselves .