About one o'clock
`` Well , Jim , '' said he , `` it 's a good comrade you 've got for the weather that 's in it ; but , in the manetime , to set you a dacent patthern , I 'll just take this myself , '' -- saying which , with the jar still upon its side , and the fore-finger of his left hand in his neck , he swallowed the spirits -- `` It 's the first I dhrank to-night , '' he added , `` nor would I dhrink it now , only to show you that I 've heart an ' spirit to do the thing that we 're all bound an ' sworn to , when the proper time comes ; '' after which he laid down the glass , and turned up the jar , with much coolness , upon the altar . During our conversation , those who had been summoned to this mysterious meeting were pouring in fast ; and as each person approached the altar , he received from one to two or three glasses of whiskey , according as he chose to limit himself ; but , to do them justice , there were not a few of those present , who , in despite of their own desire , and the Captain 's express invitation , refused to taste it in the house of God 's worship . Such , however , as were scrupulous he afterwards recommended to take it on the outside of the chapel door , which they did , as , by that means , the sacrilege of the act was supposed to be evaded . About one o'clock they were all assembled except six : at least so the Captain asserted , on looking at a written paper . `` Now , boys , '' said he in the same low voice , `` we are all present except the thraitors , whose names I am goin ' to read to you ; not that we are to count thim thraitors , till we know whether or not it was in their power to come . Any how , the night 's terrible -- but , boys , you 're to know , that neither fire nor wather is to prevint you , when duly summoned to attind a meeting -- particularly whin the summons is widout a name , as you have been told that there is always something of consequence to be done thin . '' He then read out the names of those who were absent , in order that the real cause of their absence might be ascertained , declaring that they would be dealt with accordingly .