eight o'clock
`` I 'd like to know what all this terrible hullabaloo is about ? '' exclaimed a gaunt and elderly female with sharp features and a saffron-hued complexion , coming out from the cabin on the opposite side of the deck , where she had previously appeared for an instant when in deshabille , as her night-capped head had evidenced . `` It is positively scandalous , disturbing first-class passengers like this in the middle of the night and frightening them out of their wits ! '' `` My dear madam , '' said Mr Meldrum blandly ; `` why , it is just on the stroke of eight o'clock , and we 'll be soon having breakfast . '' `` Do n't ` my dear madam ' me , sir , '' returned the lady indignantly ; `` my name is Mrs Major Negus , and I insist on being treated with proper respect . Where is the captain of the vessel , sir ? '' `` Down there , '' said Mr Meldrum laconically , pointing to the open hatchway .