three o'clock
I could have informed him that it had always been so with me , but I kept my own counsel . He then asked me what were my profession and pursuits ? Now , as I had two professions to choose between , and as my last was considered to be just as abundant in the commodity he prized so much , as my former one was known to be deficient , I replied that I was a seafaring man . ` Then I may find some employment for you , ' replied the old gentleman ; and having put several questions to me as to the nature of the service I had seen , he desired me to take a walk till three o'clock , when he would be happy to see me at dinner : -- ` We 'll then be able to have a little conversation together , without being over-heard . ' `` I was exact to my appointment , and my old friend , who was punctuality itself , did not allow me to remain in the parlour two minutes before dinner was on the table . As soon as it was over , he dismissed the servant girl who attended , and turned the key in the door . After sounding me on many points , during a rapid discussion of the first bottle of port , he proceeded to inform me , that a friend of his wanted a smart fellow as captain of a vessel , if I would like the employment .