eight o'clock sharp
I understand , both from the commodore and yourself , that you are anxious to pass , so that your acting order as lieutenant may be confirmed . Now it happens , very luckily for you , that an examination of midshipmen has been arranged for next week ; it will take place aboard the _ Achilles _ , and I would strongly recommend you to send in your papers at once , for , from what you have told me to-night , I have no doubt that you will be able to pass without the slightest difficulty . And now , good-night ! Breakfast will be on the table at eight o'clock sharp . '' On the following afternoon I landed on the wharf at Port Royal , and entered the admiral 's office at the moment when `` six bells '' were being struck aboard the flagship . The old gentleman was busy at the moment signing a number of papers , but he paused for a moment to wave me to a seat , and then resumed his labours . Presently , having completed the signing of the papers , Sir Timothy delivered them to the secretary , who was waiting for them , and then , unlocking and opening a drawer in his desk , he withdrew a somewhat voluminous bundle of documents , which he placed on the table before him .