four o'clock
As in the days before , the march of Trade and caravan of Pleasure jostled each other in the Gate 's mouth . Only the soldierly aspect of the place remained -- Might in a faded surcoat , her shabby scabbard hiding a loose bright blade ... . The steamer was up to time . When four o'clock came she was well in sight , and at fourteen minutes past the hour the rattle of the donkey-engine came to a sudden stop , and a moment later the gangways were thrust and hauled into their respective positions . Berry and I stood as close to the actual points of disembarkation as convenience and discretion allowed , while Jill hovered excitedly in the background . As the passengers began to descend -- `` Now for it , '' said my brother-in-law , settling his hat upon his head . `` I feel extremely nervous and more ill at ease than I can ever remember .