eight o'clock
He gave the necessary orders , notwithstanding ; and presently the men were mustered aft , to be told off into the two watches that were required for the service of the ship . This was soon done . Sennit choosing five , and Diggens his five . `` It 's past eight o'clock , '' said Sennit , when the selections were made . `` Go below the watch , and all but the man at the wheel of the watch on deck can go below to the lights , to eat . Bear a hand with your suppers , my lads ; this is too big a craft to be left without look-outs forward , though I dare say the Yankees will lend us a hand while you are swallowing a mouthful ? '' `` To be sure we will , sir , '' cried Marble , who had come to the gangway to witness the proceedings .