midnight
`` Sheer off there ! '' he orders , `` or I 'll turn the fire hose on yon . '' Well , the excursion captain stayed long enough to pass the time of day , but when he saw the sailors unreelin ' the hose he got a move on ; and in half an hour we was lyin ' quiet again in the moonlight . Must have been well on towards midnight , and I was just ready to turn in when Mr. Ellins comes paddin ' out of his stateroom , luggin ' two pairs of hip rubber boots . `` Torchy , '' says he , `` call Killam , will you ? '' By the time I 'd routed out Rupert , I finds Auntie and Vee waitin ' in the main cabin , all dressed for travel . `` I may be the oldest joke on record , '' says Old Hickory , `` but I propose to know before morning what is in that mound .