nearly two o'clock
`` It makes me feel like a fool , too ! '' Had the two lads but known it , there was still plenty of time . For the Secretary of the Navy may make an appointment with an understrapper , and then find that he must first see some more important personage . There were `` big '' callers ahead of the boys that day , so that it was nearly two o'clock when Lieutenant Jack and Ensign Eph were admitted to the presence that they were to leave shorn of their brief rank and command . `` Good afternoon , Lieutenant Benson . Good afternoon , Mr. Somers , '' was Secretary Sanders 's swift greeting . `` You were most successful , and I must congratulate you heartily .