one o'clock
Come hither , clerk , and take this man 's confession . '' I was in an agony of consternation , when the constable , going into another room with his worship , acquainted him with the truth of the story ; which having learned , he returned with a smiling countenance , and , addressing himself to us all , said it was always his way to terrify young people when they came before him , that his threats might make a strong impression on their minds , and deter them from engaging in scenes of riot and debauchery , which commonly ended before the judge . Thus , having cloaked his own want of discernment under the disguise of paternal care , we were dismissed , and I found myself as much lightened as if a mountain had been lifted off my breast . I carry my qualification to the Navy Office -- the nature of it -- the behaviour of the Secretary -- Strap 's concern for my absence -- a battle betwixt him a blacksmith -- the troublesome consequences of it -- his harangue to me -- his friend the schoolmaster recommends me to a French Apothecary , who entertains me as a journeyman I would most willingly have gone home to sleep , but was told by my companions , that we must deliver our letters of qualification at the Navy office , before one o'clock . Accordingly , we went thither , and gave them to the secretary , who opened and read them , and I was mightily pleased to find myself qualified for second mate of a third-rate . When he had stuck them all together on a file , one of our company asked if there were any vacancies ; to which interrogation he answered `` No ! '' Then I ventured to inquire if many ships were to be put in commission soon .