nine o'clock
Dan had spent most of the evening on the bridge , Mr. Howland having requested him to make up the coast well out to sea in order to give the party a `` final soaking '' of real ocean air . He had not complied absolutely . Still , the Tampico was a good ninety miles off shore , well outside the track of south-bound vessels . Shortly after nine o'clock he left the bridge and walked along the deck . The party was breaking up . Miss Howland had sauntered away from the group , and was leaning over the rail with her chin resting on her hands . `` Good-evening , Miss Howland , '' said Dan , pausing .