About four o'clock in the morning
In order to ward off suspicion , they agreed to revile each other in public , and meet at a certain private rendezvous , to communicate their mutual discoveries , and concert their future operations . But , soon after this agreement , our adventurer was summoned to the garrison by an express from his friend Hatchway , representing that the commodore lay at the point of death ; and , in less than an hour after the receipt of this melancholy piece of news , he set out post for his uncle 's habitation , having previously taken leave of Crabtree , who promised to meet him in two months in London ; and settled a correspondence with Gauntlet , who proposed to remain at Bath during the rest of the season . Peregrine arrives at the Garrison , where he receives the last Admonitions of Commodore Trunnion , who next Day resigns his Breath , and is buried according to his own Directions -- Some Gentlemen in the Country make a fruitless Attempt to accommodate Matters betwixt Mr. Gamaliel Pickle and his eldest Son . About four o'clock in the morning our hero arrived at the garrison , where he found his generous uncle in extremity , supported in bed by Julia on one side , and Lieutenant Hatchway on the other , while Mr. Jolter administered spiritual consolation to his soul ; and between whiles comforted Mrs. Trunnion , who , with her maid , sat by the fire , weeping with great decorum ; the physician having just taken his last fee , and retired , after pronouncing the fatal prognostic , in which he anxiously wished he might be mistaken . Though the commodore 's speech was interrupted by a violent hiccup , he still retained the use of his senses ; and , when Peregrine approached , stretched out his hand with manifest signs of satisfaction . The young gentleman , whose heart overflowed with gratitude and affection , could not behold such a spectacle unmoved . He endeavoured to conceal his tenderness , which , in the wildness of his youth , and the pride of his disposition , he considered as a derogation from his manhood ; but , in spite of all his endeavours , the tears gushed from his eyes , while he kissed the old man 's hand ; and he was so utterly disconcerted by his grief , that , when he attempted to speak , his tongue denied its office ; so that the commodore , perceiving his disorder , made a last effort of strength , and consoled him in these words : -- `` Swab the spray from your bowsprit , my good lad , and coil up your spirits .