about eight o'clock
This was the signal that the Saturday-night was about to commence , and the officers of the pantry presented their compounds in good earnest . On this occasion the ladies had quietly , but firmly declined being present , but the earnest appeals of the well-meaning captain had overcome the scruples of the gentlemen , all of whom , to avoid the appearance of disrespect to his wishes , had consented to appear . `` This is the last Saturday night , gentlemen , that I shall probably ever have the honour of passing in your good company , '' said Captain Truck , as he disposed of the pitchers and glasses before him , so that he had a perfect command of the appliances of the occasion , `` and I feel it to be a gratification with which I would not willingly dispense . We are now to the westward of the Gulf , and , according to my observations and calculations , within a hundred miles of Sandy Hook , which , with this mild south-west wind , and our weatherly position , I hope to be able to show you some time about eight o'clock to-morrow morning . Quicker passages have been made certainly , but forty days , after all , is no great matter for the westerly run , considering that we have had a look at Africa , and are walking on crutches . '' `` We owe a great deal to the trades , '' observed Mr. Effingham ; `` which have treated us as kindly towards the end of the passage , as they seemed reluctant to join us in the commencement . It has been a momentous month , and I hope we shall all retain healthful recollections of it as long as we live . ''