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24024

0

midnight

Here `` hath mailed Mars sat on his altar up to his ears in blood , '' smiling grimly at the music of echoing cannons , the shrill trump , and all the rude din of arms , until , like the waters of Egypt , the lake became red as the crimson flowers that blossom upon its margin . -LSB- 1 -RSB- And if at `` the witching hour of night , '' the unquiet ghosts of murdered sinners _ do _ stalk forth to re-visit earth by the pale glimpses of the moon , the slaughter of Fort William Henry might have furnished a goodly number of shadowy companions for the hero of a tale which is no fiction . But I am not aware that any of them came forth to add to the troubles of that memorable night , or divert his mind from what must then have been the absorbing subject of his contemplations . Still , if they had had any desire of mustering for a midnight review , or for a goblin-dance , they lost the best opportunity , probably , that will again occur for ages ; -- since another such illumination of the beautiful esplanade in front of the old fortress where the massacre took place , and where the skeleton platoons would of course have mustered , will never again be presented -- at least not until another Doctor Wheelwright shall build and watch over the fortunes of another Lady-of-the-Lake . In the course of an hour , the beautiful vessel was burned to the water 's edge ; when the weight of the massive iron machinery , rendered white and malleable by the intenseness of the heat , carried down the hull to the bottom , and the waters closed over it , sissing and boiling for a moment , as when a stream of lava runs burning into the embrace of the ocean . The illumination being thus extinguished , darkness once more brooded over the mountains , the face of the deep , and the fortunes of Mr. Daniel Wheelwright -- of whom , for the present , we must take leave , even while thus he stands , as Sir John Moore lies under the walls of Corunna -- `` alone in his glory '' -- surveying '' -- The circling canopy Of night 's extended shade . '' -LSB- 1 -RSB- The _ Lobelia Cardinalis _ , commonly called the _ Indian Eye-Bright _ .

26043

3

three o'clock

You have made a blunder , which must not be repeated . '' `` Yes , sir , '' said Sam , glad to get off with no sharper admonition . He returned to the post office , and this time he did his errand correctly . At three o'clock Sam was permitted to leave the office and look out for a boarding-place . He had managed to scrape acquaintance during the day with Henry Martin , an errand boy in the next store , and went to consult him . `` Where do you board ? '' he asked .

26043

5

five o'clock

That 's better than you can do alone . '' `` Well , I 'll try it , '' said Sam . `` When are you goin ' round ? '' `` As soon as I get through work -- at five o'clock . '' `` I 'll wait for you . '' Sam might have gone back and finished out his afternoon 's work , but it did not occur to him as desirable , and he therefore remained with his new friend , till the latter was ready to go with him . `` How much wages do you get ? ''

26043

5

About a quarter after five

I thought you 'd help me out . '' Sam 's cheerfulness returned , and he went to work with more alacrity . All the afternoon he was forming plans for the disposal of the reward when it came into his hands . About a quarter after five the two boys entered the pawnbroker 's office . The latter was not particularly pleased to see Sam , and his countenance showed it . `` I guess I 'll take that ring , mister , '' said Sam , in an independent tone . `` What ring ? ''

26043

8

eight o'clock

`` Only about five dollars . '' `` I 've got to get along till the end of the week . '' `` You ought to be able to save fifteen dollars , at any rate . I 'll go with you to the savings-bank , and you can put it in to-night , I know a bank that keeps open till eight o'clock . '' Sam hesitated , and looked reluctant . `` I guess I 'll wait and see how much I need to carry me through the week , '' he said . `` At any rate , pay me what you owe me , and I 'll deposit a part of it on my own account . ''

26043

12

noon

It is always unlucky for a boy or young man when he yields for the first time to the fatal fascination of the lottery . He may fail time after time , but continue to hug the delusion that the next time will bring him luck . There are clerks in New York and other large cities who have not only squandered all their own savings , but abstracted money from their employers , led on by this ruinous passion . During his noon intermission Sam went round to the lottery office , and returned with the coveted ticket . He put it away with great complacency , and gave himself up to dreams of future wealth . If he could only win that twenty thousand dollars , how rich he would be ! How he would triumph over Henry , with his poor thirty-five dollars in the savings-bank !

26043

5

five o'clock

Sam listened to this prediction with complacency . He did not reflect upon the absurdity of one number being luckier than another , and congratulated himself that he had been so fortunate as to get a number containing two sevens . Sam was not usually an early riser . As a general thing he lay in bed as late as he dared to ; but on the particular morning which was to terminate his suspense he jumped out of bed at half-past five o'clock . `` What are you going to do , Sam ? '' inquired Henry , opening his eyes . `` I 'm going to get up , '' answered Sam .

26043

11

a quarter past eleven before

`` If Sam has the book he has n't drawn any money on it , or he would go to the theater . Perhaps he is innocent . '' Sam stayed out late . He did not go to the theater , being , as he said , short of money , but he lounged away the evening in billiard saloons , and it was a quarter past eleven before he got back to his room . When he entered Henry was fast asleep . Sam congratulated himself upon this . He felt that now was his chance to return the book .

26043

5

Five o'clock

`` Fall River line . They 're got nice steamers . '' `` When do they go ? '' `` Five o'clock . '' `` All right . I 'll go this afternoon . '' `` You 'll be comin ' back soon , '' said Tim .

26043

7

seven in the morning

asked Sam . `` It 's the number of your berth . '' `` When will we get to Boston ? '' `` Between six and seven in the morning . '' As Sam turned away he was accosted by a newsboy : `` Papers , sir ? '' An idea struck Sam . He would get a picture paper for his new acquaintance .

26043

7

seven in the morning

You are very kind . Did you find out when we would reach Boston ? '' `` Yes , Miss Julia . We shall get there between six and seven in the morning . '' `` That 's pretty early . I hope papa will be at the depot waiting . '' `` At the depot ?

26043

4

four in the morning

A stateroom had been engaged for Julia , but Sam did not feel justified in paying a dollar extra for such a luxury , when he was already entitled to a comfortable berth . `` Do you know when we reach Fall River ? '' asked the young lady . `` About half-past four in the morning , and the cars start by five . '' `` That 's awful early ! '' exclaimed Julia , in dismay . `` How shall I wake up in time ? ''

26043

9

nine o'clock

inquired the young lady , alarmed . `` Oh , no ; there is another train at half-past six , but it is a slower train than this . '' `` When will it reach Boston ? '' `` At nine o'clock . I asked the steward just now . It wo n't make very much difference . We 'll get to the city pretty early . ''

26043

9

nine o'clock

`` Besides , I do n't feel sleepy now . '' They decided to sit down and while away the time , and were not at a loss for topics of conversation . At half-past six they had taken their places in the cars , in the full anticipation of a pleasant journey . At nine o'clock the train entered the Old Colony depot . As they entered , Julia began to show signs of uneasiness . `` I am afraid there will be no one here to meet me , '' she said . `` Then I 'll see you safe home , '' said Sam , rather hoping that it would be necessary for him to do so .

26043

6

six o'clock

`` Oh , I 'll have the money then , '' said Abner , confidently . `` Will you be here to dinner , gentlemen ? '' `` When do you have dinner ? '' `` At six o'clock . We used to have it in the middle of the day , but it was inconvenient to some of our boarders , and we changed it . '' `` We have dinner to hum , where I live , at noon , '' said Abner . `` We have lunch at half-past twelve , if you choose to come . ''

26043

12

noon

`` When do you have dinner ? '' `` At six o'clock . We used to have it in the middle of the day , but it was inconvenient to some of our boarders , and we changed it . '' `` We have dinner to hum , where I live , at noon , '' said Abner . `` We have lunch at half-past twelve , if you choose to come . '' `` I guess we will , '' said Abner . `` We 'll go out and take a walk , Mr. Barker , and come back in time . ''

26043

11

eleven o'clock

`` I 'll be along pretty soon . '' Sam did not lie awake long after once getting into bed . The early hour at which he had risen on the boat , and the miles he had traveled during the day were too much for him , and he sank into a dreamless sleep . At eleven o'clock Abner Blodgett opened the door and softly entered . He approached the bed on tiptoe , fearing to wake Sam . `` Poor fool ! '' he muttered , smiling disagreeably ; `` he thinks I am a verdant rustic , while I am able to turn him round my little finger .

26043

7

about seven o'clock

This alone changed his appearance greatly ; but not satisfied with this , he took from a bureau drawer a black silky mustache and carefully attached it to his upper lip . Then he looked complacency in the glass , and said , with a smile : `` I think my young friend from New York wo n't recognize me now . If we meet , and he suspects anything , I can easily put him off the scent . '' Sam woke up about seven o'clock . He opened his eyes , and looked about him in momentary bewilderment , not immediately remembering where he was . As recollection dawned upon him , he looked for Abner Blodgett , but nothing was to be seen of him . The appearance of the bed , however , showed that he had occupied it .

26043

7

Seven o'clock

`` He has got up , '' thought Sam . `` I wonder if it is very late . '' A church clock began to strike , and he counted the strokes . `` Seven o'clock ! '' he said . `` Well , that is n't very late , but I may as well get up . I 've slept like a top all night long .

26043

4

four o'clock

`` I may need help in paying for it . '' `` I 'd rather help order it , '' said Robinson . `` Are you going into the city , Brown ? '' `` Not till four o'clock . I have a little work to do first . Sam , are you in any hurry to go back to Boston ? '' `` No , '' answered Sam .

26043

9

nine o'clock

`` I wish you would . '' The backgammon board was brought out , and the two boys had a pleasant evening . As the older brother heard their lively laughter , and noticed how Arthur seemed brightened up by Sam 's companionship , he felt more and more that it would be a good plan to keep him there . When his father reached home , a little before nine o'clock , he made the proposal to him . `` I am convinced , '' he said , `` that Arthur needs a young companion , of a cheerful temperament , who will brighten him up , and keep him in good spirits . `` Do you know anything of this boy ? '' asked Mr. Brown , cautiously .

13823

10

ten o'clock

They give her ten trainloads of stuff a couple of months ago . No good ! A bit of moist weather and there she is at it again . Let an engine and two carriages through last night -- ten o'clock ! '' `` Gracious ! Was anybody hurt ? What -- a kind of bog ?

13823

9

about nine o'clock

The man smiled and shook his head . Her Canadian acquaintance , who was standing near , came up to the car as he heard her question . `` I have just seen a divisional superintendent . We may get on about nine o'clock to-night . '' `` And it is now eleven o'clock in the morning , '' sighed Lady Merton . `` Well ! -- I think a little exercise would be a good thing . ''

13823

11

eleven o'clock in the morning

Her Canadian acquaintance , who was standing near , came up to the car as he heard her question . `` I have just seen a divisional superintendent . We may get on about nine o'clock to-night . '' `` And it is now eleven o'clock in the morning , '' sighed Lady Merton . `` Well ! -- I think a little exercise would be a good thing . '' And she descended the steps of the car .

13823

3

three o'clock

there you are . '' A light figure hurried toward him , and he rose in haste . But Lady Merton was intercepted midway by a tall man , quite unknown to Delaine . `` I have arranged everything for three o'clock , '' said the interloper . `` You are sure that will suit you ? '' `` Perfectly ! And the guests ? ''

13823

3

Three o'clock

`` She is a nation ! '' said the Canadian , abruptly . Then , turning to Lady Merton , he rapidly went through some other business arrangements with her . `` Three o'clock then for the car . For this morning you are provided ? '' He glanced at Delaine . Lady Merton replied that Mr. Delaine would take her round ; and Anderson bowed and departed .

13823

3

three o'clock

Would he ever be allowed to get in a word edgewise ? Was there ever anything so absurd , so disconcerting ? He looked forward gloomily to a dull afternoon , in quest of fat cattle , with a car-full of unknown Canadians . At three o'clock , in the wide Winnipeg station , there gathered on the platform beside Lady Merton 's car a merry and motley group of people . A Chief Justice from Alberta , one of the Senators for Manitoba , a rich lumberman from British Columbia , a Toronto manufacturer -- owner of the model farm which the party was to inspect , two or three ladies , among them a little English girl with fine eyes , whom Philip Gaddesden at once marked for approval ; and a tall , dark-complexioned man with hollow cheeks , large ears , and a long chin , who was introduced , with particular emphasis , to Elizabeth by Anderson , as `` Mr. Félix Mariette '' -- Member of Parliament , apparently , for some constituency in the Province of Quebec . The small crowd of persons collected , all eminent in the Canadian world , and some beyond it , examined their hostess of the afternoon with a kindly amusement . Elizabeth had sent round letters ; Anderson , who was well known , it appeared , in Winnipeg , had done a good deal of telephoning .

13823

2

two o'clock

`` Oh ! such delightful plans ! '' she said , as she sank out of breath into a seat . `` We have ordered the engine for two o'clock . Please observe , Mr. Arthur . Never again in this mortal life shall I be able to ` order ' an engine for two o'clock ! -- and one of these C.P.R. engines , too , great splendid fellows !

13823

2

two o'clock

she said , as she sank out of breath into a seat . `` We have ordered the engine for two o'clock . Please observe , Mr. Arthur . Never again in this mortal life shall I be able to ` order ' an engine for two o'clock ! -- and one of these C.P.R. engines , too , great splendid fellows ! We go down the pass , and take tea at Field ; and come up the pass again this evening , to dine and sleep at Laggan . As we descend , the engine goes in front to hold us back ; and when we ascend , it goes behind to push us up ; and I understand that the hill is even steeper '' -- she bent forward , laughing , to Delaine , appealing to their common North Country recollections -- `` than the Shap incline ! ''

13823

2

two o'clock

But it costs us too much to make it safe . That 's the reason for the new bit of line . '' Elizabeth turned away uncomfortably , conscious again , as she had often been before , of the jarring between the two men . At two o'clock the car and the engine were ready , and Yerkes received them at the station beaming with smiles . According to him , the privilege allowed them was all his doing , and he was exceedingly jealous of any claim of Anderson 's in the matter . `` You come to _ me _ , my lady , if you want anything . Last year I ran a Russian princess through -- official .

13823

8

eight o'clock

He stood there listening for a few minutes , transfixed , and finally , turning round , he allowed his strange companion to walk slowly beside him back to Laggan . Oh ! the freshness of the morning on Lake Louise ! It was barely eight o'clock , yet Elizabeth Merton had already taken her coffee on the hotel verandah , and was out wandering by herself . The hotel , which is nearly six thousand feet above the sea , had only just been opened for its summer guests , and Elizabeth and her party were its first inmates . Anderson indeed had arranged their coming , and was to have brought them hither himself . But on the night of the party 's return to Laggan he had been hastily summoned by telegraph to a consultation of engineers on a difficult matter of railway grading in the Kootenay district .

13823

0

midnight

As far as his own intention was concerned , he would not cease to look after Lady Merton and her brother ; Philip Gaddesden would soon have to be moved , and he meant to escort them to Vancouver . Sounds approached , from the distance -- the `` freight , '' with the doctor , climbing the steep pass . He stepped on briskly to a signal-man 's cabin and made arrangements to stop the train . It was towards midnight when he and the doctor emerged from the Ginnell 's cabin . `` Oh , I daresay we 'll heal those cuts , '' said the doctor . `` I 've told Mrs. Ginnell what to do ; but the old fellow 's in a pretty cranky state . I doubt whether he 'll trouble the world very long . ''

13823

12

midday

As to any further communication to Elizabeth , he realised that the hints into which he had been so far betrayed had profited neither himself nor her . She had resented them , and it was most unlikely that she would ask him for any further explanations ; and that being so he had better henceforward hold his peace . Unless of course any further annoyance were threatened . * * * * * The hotel cart going down to Laggan for supplies at midday brought Anderson his answer : `` DEAR MR. ANDERSON -- Your letter gave me great concern . I deeply sympathise with your situation . As far as I am concerned , I must necessarily look at the matter entirely from the point of view of my fellow-travellers . Lady Merton must not be distressed or molested .

13823

8

about eight o'clock

The wind had begun to blow cold from the northwest . `` How soon can we run down ? I hope Mr. Arthur will have sent Philip indoors . '' Anderson left Lake Louise about eight o'clock , and hurried down the Laggan road . His mind was divided between the bitter-sweet of these last hours with Elizabeth Merton , and anxieties , small practical anxieties , about his father . There were arrangements still to make . He was not himself going to Vancouver .

13823

0

midnight

It was by this time late . Anderson shut himself up in his room at the hotel ; but among the groups lounging at the bar or in the neighbourhood of the station excitement and discussion ran high . The envelope addressed to Anderson , Anderson 's own demeanour since his arrival on the scene -- with the meaning of both conjecture was busy . * * * * * Towards midnight a train arrived from Field . A messenger from the station knocked at Anderson 's door with a train letter . Anderson locked the door again behind the man who had brought it , and stood looking at it a moment in silence . It was from Lady Merton .

13823

9

nine o'clock

If such a parentage in itself involves stain and degradation , the stain and degradation had been always there , and the situation , looked at philosophically , was no worse for the catastrophe which had intervened between this week and last . And yet it was of course immeasurably worse ! Such is the `` bubble reputation '' -- the difference between the known and the unknown . At nine o'clock a note was brought to his room : `` Will you breakfast with me in half an hour ? You will find me alone . `` E.M. '' Before the clock struck the half-hour , Elizabeth was already waiting for her guest , listening for every sound . She too had been awake half the night .

13823

1

one o'clock

Why he might be anything here ! And as if I would n't rather be a dustman in England than a -- '' `` Philip , my dear boy ! do rest -- do go to bed , '' cried his mother imploringly , coming into the room with her soft hurrying step . `` It 's going on for one o'clock . Elizabeth must n't keep you talking like this ! '' She smiled at him with uplifted finger , trying to hide from him all traces of emotion . But her son looked at her steadily .

13823

0

midnight

It 's my duty to settle -- '' Elizabeth interrupted him . `` Philip darling ! -- '' She was hanging over his chair , while Anderson stood a few feet away , leaning against the mantelpiece , his face turned from the brother and sister . The intimacy -- solemnity almost -- of the sick-room , the midnight hour , seemed to strike through Elizabeth 's being , deepening and yet liberating emotion . `` Dear Philip ! It is not for Mr. Anderson to answer you -- it is for me . If he could give up his country -- for happiness -- even for love -- I should never marry him -- for -- I should not love him any more . ''

13821

6

about six a.m.

4 E. for the first time and the last , with other things unknown to Admiralties , I shall proceed to tell . He had had his fling , had Shard , captain of pirates , and all his merry men wore pearls in their ear-rings ; and now the English fleet was after him under full sail along the coast of Spain with a good North wind behind them . They were not gaining much on Shard 's rakish craft , the bad ship Desperate Lark , yet they were closer than was to his liking , and they interfered with business . For a day and a night they had chased him , when off Cape St. Vincent at about six a.m. Shard took that step that decided his retirement from active life , he turned for the Mediterranean . Had he held on Southwards down the African coast it is doubtful whether in face of the interference of England , Russia , France , Denmark and Spain , he could have made piracy pay ; but in turning for the Mediterranean he took what we may call the penultimate step of his life which meant for him settling down . There were three great courses of action invented by Shard in his youth , upon which he pondered by day and brooded by night , consolations in all his dangers , secret even from his men , three means of escape as he hoped from any peril that might meet him on the sea . One of these was the floating island that the Book of Wonder tells of , another was so fantastic that we may doubt if even the brilliant audacity of Shard could ever have found it practicable , at least he never tried it so far as is known in that tavern by the sea in which I glean my news , and the third he determined on carrying out as he turned that morning for the Mediterranean .

13821

0

midnight

And there he showed them six immense steel axles and a dozen low iron wheels of enormous width which none had seen before ; and he told his crew how all unknown to the world his keel had been specially fitted for these same axles and wheels , and how he meant soon to sail to the wide Atlantic again , though not by the way of the straits . And when they heard the name of the Atlantic all his merry men cheered , for they looked on the Atlantic as a wide safe sea . And night came down and Captain Shard sent for his diver . With the sea getting up it was hard work for the diver , but by midnight things were done to Shard 's satisfaction , and the diver said that of all the jobs he had done -- but finding no apt comparison , and being in need of a drink , silence fell on him and soon sleep , and his comrades carried him away to his hammock . All the next day the chase went on with the English well in sight , for Shard had lost time overnight with his wheels and axles , and the danger of meeting the Spaniards increased every hour ; and evening came when every minute seemed dangerous , yet they still went tacking on towards the East where they knew the Spaniards must be . And at last they sighted their topsails right ahead , and still Shard went on . It was a close thing , but night was coming on , and the Union Jack which he hoisted helped Shard with the Spaniards for the last few anxious minutes , though it seemed to anger the English , but as Shard said , `` There 's no pleasing everyone , '' and then the twilight shivered into darkness .

13821

22

ten in the evening

When the use and limitations of his land-wheel had been made clear to his men , Shard bade them all turn in except those on watch . Long before dawn he woke them and by the very first gleam of light they got their ship under way , so that when those two fleets that had made so sure of Shard closed in like a great crescent on the Algerian coast there was no sign to see of the Desperate Lark either on sea or land ; and the flags of the Admiral 's ship broke out into a hearty English oath . The gale blew for three days and , Shard using more sail by daylight , they scudded over the sands at little less than ten knots , though on the report of rough water ahead -LRB- as the lookout man called rocks , low hills or uneven surface before he adapted himself to his new surroundings -RRB- the rate was much decreased . Those were long summer days and Shard who was anxious while the wind held good to outpace the rumour of his own appearance sailed for nineteen hours a day , lying to at ten in the evening and hoisting sail again at three a.m. when it first began to be light . In those three days he did five hundred miles ; then the wind dropped to a breeze though it still blew from the North , and for a week they did no more than two knots an hour . The merry men began to murmur then . Luck had distinctly favoured Shard at first for it sent him at ten knots through the only populous districts well ahead of crowds except those who chose to run , and the cavalry were away on a local raid .

13821

0

midnight

`` Where were they now ? '' they asked , and were they being treated like poor honest men ? Shard quieted them by asking what they wished to do themselves and when no one had any better plan than going to the villagers and saying that they had been blown out of their course by a storm , Shard unfolded his scheme to them . Long ago he had heard how they drove carts with oxen in Africa , oxen were very numerous in these parts wherever there was any cultivation , and for this reason when the wind had begun to drop he had laid his course for the village : that night the moment it was dark they were to drive off fifty yoke of oxen ; by midnight they must all be yoked to the bows and then away they would go at a good round gallop . So fine a plan as this astonished the men and they all apologised for their want of faith in Shard , shaking hands with him every one and spitting on their hands before they did so in token of good will . The raid that night succeeded admirably , but ingenious as Shard was on land , and a past-master at sea , yet it must be admitted that lack of experience in this class of seamanship led him to make a mistake , a slight one it is true , and one that a little practice would have prevented altogether : the oxen could not gallop . Shard swore at them , threatened them with his pistol , said they should have no food , and all to no avail : that night and as long as they pulled the bad ship Desperate Lark they did one knot an hour and no more .

13821

12

noon

For the first time for five weeks a light breeze blew from the North , very light , you hardly felt it . Spanish Dick rode in and anchored his horse to starboard and the cavalry came on slowly from the port . Not till the afternoon did they come in sight , and all the while that little breeze was blowing . `` One knot , '' said Shard at noon . `` Two knots , '' he said at six bells and still it grew and the Arabs trotted nearer . By five o'clock the merry men of the bad ship Desperate Lark could make out twelve long old-fashioned guns on low wheeled carts dragged by horses and what looked like lighter guns carried on camels . The wind was blowing a little stronger now .

13821

5

five o'clock

Not till the afternoon did they come in sight , and all the while that little breeze was blowing . `` One knot , '' said Shard at noon . `` Two knots , '' he said at six bells and still it grew and the Arabs trotted nearer . By five o'clock the merry men of the bad ship Desperate Lark could make out twelve long old-fashioned guns on low wheeled carts dragged by horses and what looked like lighter guns carried on camels . The wind was blowing a little stronger now . `` Shall we hoist sail , sir ? '' said Bill .

13821

6

six o'clock

`` Shall we hoist sail , sir ? '' said Bill . `` Not yet , '' said Shard . By six o'clock the Arabs were just outside the range of cannon and there they halted . Then followed an anxious hour or so , but the Arabs came no nearer . They evidently meant to wait till dark to bring their guns up . Probably they intended to dig a gun epaulment from which they could safely pound away at the ship .

13821

12

noon

And many were found wanting . But of those that were able to say acceptable things , ever after to be named The Fortunate , one said that to the South of the Earth lay a Land -- said Land was crowned with lotus -- where it was summer in our winter days and where it was winter in summer . And when the Sultan of those most distant lands knew that the Creator of All had contrived a device so vastly to his delight his merriment knew no bounds . On a sudden he spake and said , and this was the gist of his saying , that upon that line of boundary or limit that divided the North from the South a palace be made , where in the Northern courts should summer be , while in the South was winter ; so should he move from court to court according to his mood , and dally with the summer in the morning and spend the noon with snow . So the Sultan 's poets were sent for and bade to tell of that city , foreseeing its splendour far away to the South and in the future of time ; and some were found fortunate . And of those that were found fortunate and were crowned with flowers none earned more easily the Sultan 's smile -LRB- on which long days depended -RRB- than he that foreseeing the city spake of it thus : `` In seven years and seven days , O Prop of Heaven , shall thy builders build it , thy palace that is neither North nor South , where neither summer nor winter is sole lord of the hours . White I see it , very vast , as a city , very fair , as a woman , Earth 's wonder , with many windows , with thy princesses peering out at twilight ; yea , I behold the bliss of the gold balconies , and hear a rustling down long galleries and the doves ' coo upon its sculptured eaves .

13821

12

noon

O Prop of Heaven , would that so fair a city were built by thine ancient sires , the children of the sun , that so might all men see it even today , and not the poets only , whose vision sees it so far away to the South and in the future of time . `` O King of the Years , it shall stand midmost on that line that divideth equally the North from the South and that parteth the seasons asunder as with a screen . On the Northern side when summer is in the North thy silken guards shall pace by dazzling walls while thy spearsmen clad in furs go round the South . But at the hour of noon in the midmost day of the year thy chamberlain shall go down from his high place and into the midmost court , and men with trumpets shall go down behind him , and he shall utter a great cry at noon , and the men with trumpets shall cause their trumpets to blare , and the spearsmen clad in furs shall march to the North and thy silken guard shall take their place in the South , and summer shall leave the North and go to the South , and all the swallows shall rise and follow after . And alone in thine inner courts shall no change be , for they shall lie narrowly along that line that parteth the seasons in sunder and divideth the North from the South , and thy long gardens shall lie under them . `` And in thy gardens shall spring always be , for spring lies ever at the marge of summer ; and autumn also shall always tint thy gardens , for autumn always flares at winter 's edge , and those gardens shall lie apart between winter and summer . And there shall be orchards in thy garden , too , with all the burden of autumn on their boughs and all the blossom of spring .

7929

11

eleven o’clock

The king of travellers was amenable to the claims of his old friends , enforced as they were by the enormous premiums offered to him . * * * * * `` Listen , my little Jenny , '' he said in a hackney-coach to a pretty florist . All truly great men delight in allowing themselves to be tyrannized over by a feeble being , and Gaudissart had found his tyrant in Jenny . He was bringing her home at eleven o'clock from the Gymnase , whither he had taken her , in full dress , to a proscenium box on the first tier . `` On my return , Jenny , I shall refurnish your room in superior style . That big Matilda , who pesters you with comparisons and her real India shawls imported by the suite of the Russian ambassador , and her silver plate and her Russian prince , -- who to my mind is nothing but a humbug , -- wo n't have a word to say THEN . I consecrate to the adornment of your room all the ` Children ' I shall get in the provinces . ''

7929

10

ten o’clock

At home he made incessant inquiries for newspapers ; to satisfy him his wife and the maid-servant used to give him an old journal called the `` Indre-et-Loire , '' and for seven years he had never yet perceived that he was reading the same number over and over again . Perhaps a doctor would have observed with interest the connection that evidently existed between the recurring and spasmodic demands for the newspaper and the atmospheric variations of the weather . Usually when his wife had company , which happened nearly every evening , for the neighbors , pitying her situation , would frequently come to play at boston in her salon , Margaritis remained silent in a corner and never stirred . But the moment ten o'clock began to strike on a clock which he kept shut up in a large oblong closet , he rose at the stroke with the mechanical precision of the figures which are made to move by springs in the German toys . He would then advance slowly towards the players , give them a glance like the automatic gaze of the Greeks and Turks exhibited on the Boulevard du Temple , and say sternly , `` Go away ! '' There were days when he had lucid intervals and could give his wife excellent advice as to the sale of their wines ; but at such times he became extremely annoying , and would ransack her closets and steal her delicacies , which he devoured in secret . Occasionally , when the usual visitors made their appearance he would treat them with civility ; but as a general thing his remarks and replies were incoherent .

7929

12

noons

_ Paquita la Sevillane _ , by _ Jan Diaz _ , was published in the _ Echo du Morvan _ , a review which for eighteen months maintained its existence in spite of provincial indifference . Some knowing persons at Nevers declared that Jan Diaz was making fun of the new school , just then bringing out its eccentric verse , full of vitality and imagery , and of brilliant effects produced by defying the Muse under pretext of adapting German , English , and Romanesque mannerisms . The poem began with this ballad : Ah ! if you knew the fragrant plain , The air , the sky , of golden Spain , Its fervid noons , its balmy spring , Sad daughters of the northern gloom , Of love , of heav ' n , of native home , You never would presume to sing ! For men are there of other mould Than those who live in this dull cold . And there to music low and sweet Sevillian maids , from eve till dawn , Dance lightly on the moonlit lawn In satin shoes , on dainty feet . Ah , you would be the first to blush Over your dancers ' romp and rush , And your too hideous carnival , That turns your cheeks all chill and blue , And skips the mud in hob-nail 'd shoe -- A truly dismal festival .

7929

2

two in the morning

The gardens of the Duke 's palace were so brilliantly illuminated , that the ladies could walk about in as perfect safety as in broad daylight . The fete was of imperial magnificence . Nothing was grudged to give the Spaniards a high idea of the Emperor , if they were to measure him by the standard of his officers . `` In an arbor near the house , between one and two in the morning , a party of French officers were discussing the chances of war , and the not too hopeful outlook prognosticated by the conduct of the Spaniards present at that grand ball . ``` I can only tell you , ' said the surgeon-major of the company of which I was paymaster , ` I applied formally to Prince Murat only yesterday to be recalled . Without being afraid exactly of leaving my bones in the Peninsula , I would rather dress the wounds made by our worthy neighbors the Germans . Their weapons do not run quite so deep into the body as these Castilian daggers .

7929

23

about eleven at night

Murat will not refuse me leave , for , thanks to our varied services , we always have influential friends . ' ``` Since you mean to cut your stick , tell us what 's up , ' said an old Republican colonel , who cared not a rap for Imperial gentility and choice language . `` The surgeon-major looked about him cautiously , as if to make sure who were his audience , and being satisfied that no Spaniard was within hearing , he said : ``` We are none but Frenchmen -- then , with pleasure , Colonel Hulot . About six days since , I was quietly going home , at about eleven at night , after leaving General Montcornet , whose hotel is but a few yards from mine . We had come away together from the Quartermaster-General 's , where we had played rather high at _ bouillotte _ . Suddenly , at the corner of a narrow high-street , two strangers , or rather , two demons , rushed upon me and flung a large cloak round my head and arms . I yelled out , as you may suppose , like a dog that is thrashed , but the cloth smothered my voice , and I was lifted into a chaise with dexterous rapidity .

7929

5

five in the morning

Monsieur Gravier , who had seen so much of the world , proposed setting seals on the door of Madame de la Baudraye and of the Public Prosecutor . The ducks that denounced the poet Ibycus are as nothing in comparison with the single hair that these country spies fasten across the opening of a door by means of two little flattened pills of wax , fixed so high up , or so low down , that the trick is never suspected . If the gallant comes out of his own door and opens the other , the broken hair tells the tale . When everybody was supposed to be asleep , the doctor , the journalist , the receiver of taxes , and Gatien came barefoot , like robbers , and silently fastened up the two doors , agreeing to come again at five in the morning to examine the state of the fastenings . Imagine their astonishment and Gatien 's delight when all four , candle in hand , and with hardly any clothes on , came to look at the hairs , and found them in perfect preservation on both doors . `` Is it the same wax ? '' asked Monsieur Gravier .

7929

7

about seven o’clock

The Hours had fled on feet so light that none had marked their pace . The two Parisians they spoke of as perfect prodigies . These exaggerated reports loudly proclaimed on the Mall brought sixteen persons to Anzy that evening , some in family coaches , some in wagonettes , and a few bachelors on hired saddle horses . By about seven o'clock this provincial company had made a more or less graceful entry into the huge Anzy drawing-room , which Dinah , warned of the invasion , had lighted up , giving it all the lustre it was capable of by taking the holland covers off the handsome furniture , for she regarded this assembly as one of her great triumphs . Lousteau , Bianchon , and Dinah exchanged meaning looks as they studied the attitudes and listened to the speeches of these visitors , attracted by curiosity . What invalided ribbons , what ancestral laces , what ancient flowers , more imaginative than imitative , were boldly displayed on some perennial caps ! The Presidente Boirouge , Bianchon 's cousin , exchanged a few words with the doctor , from whom she extracted some `` advice gratis '' by expatiating on certain pains in the chest , which she declared were nervous , but which he ascribed to chronic indigestion .

7929

1

one o’clock in the morning

The last page of the damaged sheet was 212 , and this is 217 . In fact , since Rinaldo , who in the earlier fragment stole the key of the Duchess ' treasure by exchanging it for another very much like it , is now -- on the made-up sheet -- in the palace of the Dukes of Bracciano , the story seems to me to be advancing to a conclusion of some kind . I hope it is as clear to you as it is to me . -- I understand that the festivities are over , the lovers have returned to the Bracciano Palace ; it is night -- one o'clock in the morning . Rinaldo will have a good time . '' `` And Adolphe too ! '' said President Boirouge , who was considered rather free in his speech .

7929

0

midnight

very good ! '' said Lousteau . ``` Beloved friend , idol of my heart and soul -- ' twenty pages of it ! all at one sitting , and dated midnight ! She writes when she finds herself alone . Poor woman ! Ah , ha !

7929

7

seven o’clock

Etienne wrote to Bixiou : `` MY DEAR BOY , -- My Baroness has dropped into my arms , and will be fatal to my marriage unless we perform one of the most familiar stratagems of the thousand and one comedies at the Gymnase . I rely on you to come here , like one of Moliere 's old men , to scold your nephew Leandre for his folly , while the Tenth Muse lies hidden in my bedroom ; you must work on her feelings ; strike hard , be brutal , offensive . I , you understand , shall express my blind devotion , and shall seem to be deaf , so that you may have to shout at me . `` Come , if you can , at seven o'clock . `` Yours , Having sent this letter by a commissionaire to the man who , in all Paris , most delighted in such practical jokes -- in the slang of artists , a _ charge _ -- Lousteau made a great show of settling the Muse of Sancerre in his apartment . He busied himself in arranging the luggage she had brought , and informed her as to the persons and ways of the house with such perfect good faith , and a glee which overflowed in kind words and caresses , that Dinah believed herself the best-beloved woman in the world .

7929

4

four o’clock

`` Henceforth , for the cost of your dinner , you shall live like a prince . '' Having induced the landlord to let her have a kitchen and two servants ' rooms , Madame de la Baudraye wrote a few lines to her mother , begging her to send her some linen and a loan of a thousand francs . She received two trunks full of linen , some plate , and two thousand francs , sent by the hand of an honest and pious cook recommended her by her mother . Ten days after the evening at the theatre when they had met , Monsieur de Clagny came to call at four o'clock , after coming out of court , and found Madame de la Baudraye making a little cap . The sight of this proud and ambitious woman , whose mind was so accomplished , and who had queened it so well at the Chateau d'Anzy , now condescending to household cares and sewing for the coming infant , moved the poor lawyer , who had just left the bench . And as he saw the pricks on one of the taper fingers he had so often kissed , he understood that Madame de la Baudraye was not merely playing at this maternal task . In the course of this first interview the magistrate saw to the depths of Dinah 's soul .

7929

5

five o’clock

`` What do you want of me that brought you here ? '' `` A power of attorney to receive our Uncle Silas ' property . '' Dinah took a pen , wrote two lines to Monsieur de Clagny , and desired her husband to call again in the afternoon . At five o'clock , Monsieur de Clagny -- who had been promoted to the post of Attorney-General -- enlightened Madame de la Baudraye as to her position ; still , he undertook to arrange everything by a bargain with the old fellow , whose visit had been prompted by avarice alone . Monsieur de la Baudraye , to whom his wife 's power of attorney was indispensable to enable him to deal with the business as he wished , purchased it by certain concessions . In the first place , he undertook to allow her ten thousand francs a year so long as she found it convenient -- so the document was worded -- to reside in Paris ; the children , each on attaining the age of six , were to be placed in Monsieur de la Baudraye 's keeping . Finally , the lawyer extracted the payment of the allowance in advance .

7929

0

midnight

When this woman , of a really manly spirit , pictured herself as living in solitude , she felt her courage fail . She preferred the anticipated and inevitable miseries of this fierce intimacy to the absence of the joys , which were all the more exquisite because they arose from the midst of remorse , of terrible struggles with herself , of a _ No _ persuaded to be _ Yes _ . At every moment she seemed to come across the pool of bitter water found in a desert , and drunk with greater relish than the traveler would find in sipping the finest wines at a prince 's table . When Dinah wondered to herself at midnight : `` Will he come home , or will he not ? '' she was not alive again till she heard the familiar sound of Lousteau 's boots , and his well-known ring at the bell . She would often try to restrain him by giving him pleasure ; she would hope to be a match for her rivals , and leave them no hold on that agitated heart . How many times a day would she rehearse the tragedy of _ Le Dernier Jour d'un condamne _ , saying to herself , `` To-morrow we part . ''

19303

12

noon

By to-morrow , or perhaps within a few minutes , I shall certainly have something more definite to wire . '' At the hotel he was greatly disappointed to find no trace of the missing lad , and after eating a hearty breakfast he made a thorough search of the water-front , though of course without avail . He had intended dropping a hint here and there of the predicament in which he had left Sheriff Riley and his followers , but on second thoughts concluded to let them work out their own plan of escape from the island , rather than run the risk of further delay . By noon he was ready to depart from Dubuque , satisfied that there was no information to be gained in that place concerning either Winn or the raft . Although he was not discouraged , he was puzzled , and was even beginning to feel anxious at the strange aspect this affair of the lost _ Venture _ was assuming . Until sunset he rowed steadily and swiftly downstream , hailing the ferrymen as he passed , and stopping at the settlements on both sides of the river to make inquiries . He also hailed passing boats , and boarded several rafts that he discovered tied to the western bank , but all in vain .

19303

8

eight o'clock

This was only a temporary position , and would be filled by either Winn or Solon after a mule had been obtained for the treadmill . Sabella 's real duty was to dress Don Blossom , and see that he went on the stage at the proper time . The hour for giving these arrangements a public test finally arrived . By eight o'clock the exhibition hall of the _ Whatnot _ was packed with an audience that contained a number of raftsmen and steamboat hands from the water-front . These were good-naturedly noisy , and indulged in cat-calls , stampings , and other manifestations of their impatience for the curtain to rise . An occasional lull in the tumult allowed the droning notes of the `` Sweet By-and-By , '' then new and extremely popular , to be heard , as they were slowly ground out from the hand-organ by the invisible Sabella . At length they ceased ; the little drop-curtain was slowly rolled up so as to expose the first picture , and Cap'n Cod , pointer in hand , in all the glory of the blue swallow-tail with brass buttons , stepped on the stage .

19303

10

ten o'clock

We ca n't help finding the raft , now that we know where it is , and just what it looks like . '' Billy Brackett only laughed at this , and then , in obedience to Sabella 's call , they went down to supper . The engine was stopped that it also might be fed , and for an hour the _ Whatnot _ was allowed to drift with only Solon on deck . Then Reward was again set to work , and until ten o'clock the unique craft spun merrily down-stream . From that hour the engine was allowed to rest until morning ; and while they drifted , the crew divided the watches of the night between them , Cap'n Cod and Winn taking one , and Billy Brackett with Solon for company the other . At midnight Sabella had a lunch ready for the watch just coming below , as well as for the one about to turn out ; and then , wrapped warmly in a blanket , she sat for an hour on the upper deck with Cap'n Cod and Winn , fascinated by the novelty of drifting down the great river at night . The lights that twinkled here and there along the shores earlier in the evening had disappeared , and the whole world seemed asleep .

19303

0

midnight

The engine was stopped that it also might be fed , and for an hour the _ Whatnot _ was allowed to drift with only Solon on deck . Then Reward was again set to work , and until ten o'clock the unique craft spun merrily down-stream . From that hour the engine was allowed to rest until morning ; and while they drifted , the crew divided the watches of the night between them , Cap'n Cod and Winn taking one , and Billy Brackett with Solon for company the other . At midnight Sabella had a lunch ready for the watch just coming below , as well as for the one about to turn out ; and then , wrapped warmly in a blanket , she sat for an hour on the upper deck with Cap'n Cod and Winn , fascinated by the novelty of drifting down the great river at night . The lights that twinkled here and there along the shores earlier in the evening had disappeared , and the whole world seemed asleep . The brooding stillness was only broken by the distant hooting of owls , or the musical complainings of the swift waters as they chafed impatiently against some snag , reef , or bar . They talked in hushed voices , and Sabella related how the man from whom her uncle purchased Winn 's canoe had told her that she reminded him of his own little daughter , who lived so far away that she did n't even know where her father was .

19303

12

noon

he was once more in undisputed possession of the raft , and once more floating on it down the great river . Wildly happy , the exhausted boy flung himself down on the wet planks , and yielded to pleasant reflections . It was only twenty miles to St. Louis . The current was carrying him at the rate of five miles an hour , so that he ought to reach the city soon after noon . There he would hail some steamboat or tug , and get it to tow his raft to a safe mooring-place . Then he would telegraph to both his father and his Uncle Billy . After that he would engage some stout man to help guard the raft until his friends arrived .

19303

12

nearly noon before

The hurrying passengers smiled at this spectacle at once so ridiculous and so pathetic , but good-naturedly made way for the old men , while Bim , sharing the general excitement , barked and danced about , until his chain was entangled with the legs of at least half a dozen persons at once . Even with Bim 's aid , Billy Brackett failed to find the man who had escaped him in Alton by running through the store and out of its back door . The young engineer was convinced that he was one of those who had stolen the raft , and it was certainly very trying to recover the trail , as he had just done , only to lose it again immediately . So loath was he to abandon the search that it was very nearly noon before he did so , and retraced his steps to the river . As he approached the place where the _ Whatnot _ had been moored , he was surprised not to see the boat , and turned towards a group of men , all of whom seemed to be talking at once , to make inquiries . At that moment the group opened , and from it Cap'n Cod , red-faced and anxious , came hastily stumping in his direction . `` Where is the _ Whatnot _ ? ''

19303

0

about midnight

The lanterns of the working gang glancing here and there like so many fire-flies were feebly reflected in the angry waters that slid stealthily by with uncanny gurglings and muttered growls . -LSB- Illustration : `` The lanterns of the working gang glancing here and there like fire-flies . '' -RSB- `` If the bank will only hold until morning ! '' said Mr. Manton , about midnight , as he and Billy Brackett entered the _ Venture 's _ cosey `` shanty '' for a brief rest . All but these two and Solon were asleep , laying in a stock of strength for the labors of the next day . Suddenly there came a frightened shouting from the bank . Then all other sounds were drowned in the furious roar of rushing waters , while the raft seemed to be lifted bodily and hurled into space .

19303

0

midnight

By daylight the young engineer might have noted its weak spots , and strengthened them . He would have seen the thin streams that silently , but steadily and in ever-increasing volume , were working their way through the embankment near its base . In the inky blackness of the night they were unheeded ; and while spade and pick were plied with unflagging zeal to strengthen the higher portions , these insidious foes were equally busy undermining its foundations . Shortly before midnight everything seemed so secure that the boys were sent to the _ Venture 's _ `` shanty '' to get a few hours of sleep . Then Billy Brackett and Mr. Manton came in for the hot coffee Solon was preparing for them . They had hardly seated themselves at the table when the catastrophe occurred . Without warning , a quarter of a mile of the water-soaked levee sank out of sight , and dissolved like so much wet sugar .

13826

12

noon

This last rumor brought shouts of laughter , and ` Stump , ' as we termed him , a well-known young insurance broker of New York , remarked , in his characteristic way : `` It probably wo n't be this particular ` Yankee , ' boys , that will go there , but there 'll be others . '' There was much cleaning of kits and furbishing of cutlasses . We knew that we would not take the latter with us , but then it was practice , and we felt anxious to do something martial as a relief to our excitement . There was a diversion shortly before noon , when the `` old man '' -LRB- the captain -RRB- appeared with a number of official-looking papers in his hands . `` He 's got the orders , '' whispered little Potter , our latest recruit . `` Whoop ! we 'll get away this morning , sure . ''

13826

2

two o'clock

Word was passed that our enlistment papers -- for we were to regularly enter Uncle Sam 's naval service -- would be made out , and that our freedom and liberty , as some of the boys put it , would cease from that hour . The latter statement made little impression . We had entered the Naval Reserves for business , if business was required , and we expected hardships as well as fun . A navy-yard tug , sent by the Commandant , steamed alongside at two o'clock , and the company was marched on board without delay . The boys were eager to enter on this , their first real detail , and , in the rush to gain the deck of the tug , young Potter slipped from the rail and fell with a mighty splash into the water . `` Man overboard ! '' bawled his nearest mate , and `` Man overboard ! ''

13826

19

four until eight in the afternoon

He was not the only one to make that vow , and it was plain that Burke , the Irishman , had trouble in store for him . On our return to the `` New Hampshire , '' the battalion was placed under the regular ship 's routine . All the men were divided into two watches , starboard and port . The port watch , for instance , goes on duty at eight bells in the morning , stands four hours , and is then relieved by the starboard watch ; this routine continues day and night , except from four until eight in the afternoon , when occur the dog watches , two of them , two hours long each , stood by the port and starboard men respectively . The dog watches are necessary to secure a change in the hours of duty for each watch . From now on we were given a taste of the actual work of the service . Details were made up each morning and sent to the `` Yankee '' to assist in getting her in readiness for service .

13826

0

midnight

The firemen and coal-passers had been refused shore leave , or liberty , as it is called , because of their habit of getting intoxicated , pawning their uniforms , and loitering ashore . Truth to tell , the guns and bayonets had little effect , as the offenders were old in the business . The second night after the order was put in force it happened that `` Hod , '' who was rated as an able seaman , was on duty with gun and bayonet on that end of the dock opposite the forecastle . He had just relieved the man whose watch ended at midnight , and he stood thoughtfully watching the twinkling lights on the opposite side of the mighty East River . There was so much to occupy his mind in a situation which was both charming and fascinating that he remained motionless for several minutes . Presently there came a slight , scraping sound , and the end of a rope struck the dock almost at his feet . Glancing up , `` Hod '' saw a man 's figure , dimly outlined in the gloom , slip from the topgallant forecastle and quickly descend the rope .

13826

19

7:30 p.m.

`` All work and no play , etc. , '' was part of our code aboard the `` Yankee , '' and goodness knows we had worked hard enough getting the ship ready for sailing to be permitted a little sport . Then , again , any badgering of young Potter would be innocent amusement , so I laid by and waited , keeping my eye on `` Bill . '' `` Bill , '' by the way , was the captain of our mess , a jolly good fellow , popular , and always in evidence when there was any skylarking on foot . Hammocks were piped down at seven bells -LRB- 7:30 p.m. -RRB- , and , as it was our first experience on board the `` Yankee , '' there was some confusion . A number of new recruits had joined that afternoon , and their efforts to master the mysteries of the sailor 's sleeping outfit were amusing . A naval hammock differs largely from those used ashore . A hammock aboard ship is of canvas , seven feet long , with holes a few inches apart at each end , through which are reeved pieces of strong cord .

13826

5

five o'clock

He tested them by applying his own weight , then gave the crestfallen and astounded Potter a few terse words of advice about eating too much supper . Five minutes later the deck was quiet . The hard labor of the previous day -- such labor as hauling and pulling , handling heavy boxes and casks , and bales and barrels of provisions and ammunition -- had made me dead tired , and I slept like a log until reveille . This unpleasant function occurred at three bells -LRB- half-past five o'clock -RRB- , and it consisted of an infernal hubbub of drums and bugles and boatswains ' pipes , loud and discordant enough to awaken the seven sleepers . We roused in a hurry , and , with eyes scarcely open , began to lash up our hammocks . `` Seven turns , no more , no less , '' bawled the master-at-arms . `` Get just seven turns of the lashing around your hammocks , and get 'em quick .

13826

15

three in the afternoon

She came laden with pies and doughnuts , pins and needles , tape and buttons and whisk brooms and shoe blacking , handkerchiefs , ties , scissors , soap , writing paper , envelopes , ink , pens , cakes , bread , jelly , pocket knives , and a schedule of prices that would have brought a blush of envy to the face of a Swiss inn-keeper . As the boys had not yet grown entirely accustomed to what is called `` Government straight , '' i.e. , salt meat and hard-tack , the bumboat did a thriving business . Young Potter 's bill was tremendous , and Mrs. Bumboat bade him a regretful farewell when she visited us for the last time . At three in the afternoon of the tenth we hoisted anchor on our way to sea . Our good friends had not deserted us , and a number of them , aboard several tugs , accompanied us as far as the Narrows . The `` God-speed '' given us as we steamed away would have been a fine object lesson to our future antagonists . Up to the present we had been concerned simply with the preparations for war , but it was destined that before another twenty-four hours had passed we would have a taste of the actual realities .

13826

3

3:30 a.m

There is no grumbling because of disturbed sleep , for a rumor has gone about the ship that Spanish vessels have been seen off the coast , and even the cranks on board admit that drills and exercises are necessary . Sea watches have been set , and the rules followed when under way are now operative . A brief explanation of the routine attending the first hours of a naval day may help to make succeeding descriptions more plain . The ship 's daily life commences with the calling of the ship 's cook at 3:30 a.m. . The ordinary mess cooks are awakened at four o'clock , so that coffee can be prepared for the watch . Coffee is always served with hard-tack to the watch coming on deck at four . It is all the men get until breakfast at 7:30 , and a great deal of work must be accomplished before that time .

13826

4

four o'clock

Sea watches have been set , and the rules followed when under way are now operative . A brief explanation of the routine attending the first hours of a naval day may help to make succeeding descriptions more plain . The ship 's daily life commences with the calling of the ship 's cook at 3:30 a.m. . The ordinary mess cooks are awakened at four o'clock , so that coffee can be prepared for the watch . Coffee is always served with hard-tack to the watch coming on deck at four . It is all the men get until breakfast at 7:30 , and a great deal of work must be accomplished before that time . After the hard-tack and coffee had been consumed -- and it went to that spot always reserved for good things -- the lookouts of the other watch on the port and starboard bridge and the patent life buoys port and starboard quarter were relieved .

13826

7

7:30

The ship 's daily life commences with the calling of the ship 's cook at 3:30 a.m. . The ordinary mess cooks are awakened at four o'clock , so that coffee can be prepared for the watch . Coffee is always served with hard-tack to the watch coming on deck at four . It is all the men get until breakfast at 7:30 , and a great deal of work must be accomplished before that time . After the hard-tack and coffee had been consumed -- and it went to that spot always reserved for good things -- the lookouts of the other watch on the port and starboard bridge and the patent life buoys port and starboard quarter were relieved . As soon as the first streaks of dawn Were to be seen a long-drawn boatswain 's pipe , like the wail of a lost soul , came from forward , and the order `` scrub and wash clothes '' given . A day or two before the `` Yankee '' left the navy yard , one of the pretty girls who had come over to visit her asked : `` Where do you have your washing done ?

13826

6

6:30

`` You _ can _ do it every morning , if you really feel inclined , '' I replied , smiling at his rueful countenance ; `` clothes can only be washed during the morning watch -LRB- four to eight -RRB- , I understand , and , as the starboard men are on duty one day during that time and the port watch the next , each is supposed to ` scrub and wash clothes ' in his own watch . See ? '' The `` Kid '' looked up at the dripping line of rather dingy clothes , then down at his red and soapy knees , and said , as he turned to go aft , `` Well , when we get back to New York , I am going to have a suit of whites made of celluloid that can be washed with a sponge . '' At 6:30 the order `` knock off scrubbing clothes '' was given , and then all hands of the watch `` turned to '' and scrubbed decks , scoured the gratings and companion-way ladders with sand and canvas , brass work was polished , paint work wiped down , and everything on board made as spick and span as a new dollar . A vast quantity of water is brought from over the side through the ship 's pump , and the men work in their bare feet . In fact , the usual costume during this period of the day consists of a pair of duck trousers and a thin shirt . On special occasions even the shirt is dispensed with .

13826

7

7:20

During warm weather it is delightful to splash around a water-soaked deck , but there are mornings when a biting wind comes from the north , and the keenness of winter is in the air , and then Jackie , compelled to labor up to his knees in water , casts longing glances toward the glow of the galley fire , and makes his semi-yearly vow that he will leave the `` blooming '' service for good and go on a farm . This scrubbing of decks and scouring of ladders put an extra edge on our appetites , so we agreed with `` Stump '' when he said , `` I feel as if I could put a whole bumboat load of stuff out of commission all by my lonely . '' `` Stump 's '' appetite was out of proportion to his size . When the boatswain 's mate gave his peculiar long , quavering pipe and the order `` spread mess gear for the watch below , '' at 7:20 , we of the watch on deck realized that there was still forty minutes to wait . Every man 's hunger seemed to increase tenfold , so that even the odor of boiling `` salt-horse '' from the galley did not trouble us . Finally the order came , `` on deck all the starboard watch '' ; followed by the boatswain 's mess call for the watch on deck . The scramble to get below and to work with knife , fork , and spoon resembled a fire panic at a theatre .

13826

9

twenty minutes past nine

The older , wiser heads laughed at such rumors , and said it was foolishness , but all were ready and anxious to listen to the wildest tales . All the time the ship was getting under way the routine work was going on . The sweepers had obeyed the order given by the boatswain 's mate , accompanied by the pipe peculiar to that order , `` Gun-deck sweepers , clean sweep fore and aft ; sweepers , clean your spit kits . '' At twenty minutes past nine the bugle sounded the first or officers ' call to quarters , a call that sounded like `` Get your sword on , get your sword on , get your sword on , get your sword on , get your sword on right away ! '' Ten minutes later came `` assembly , '' and the men rushed to their places at the guns and their stations in the powder divisions . After our division had been mustered , `` Long Tommy , '' the boatswain 's mate and captain of our gun , said to `` Hay , '' `` I think we 'll have some shooting to-day . I saw the gunners ' mates rigging a target . ''

13826

12

12 o'clock

As the `` Kid , '' in his overweening confidence , said , `` Ai n't we peaches ? When we get down south we will have a little target practise , and the ` dagos ' will be so scared that they will haul down their colors tight away . '' During the day we steamed slowly along , a bright lookout being kept by the men at the foremast-head for suspicious steamers . After dinner at eight bells -LRB- 12 o'clock -RRB- , the smoking lamp , which hangs near the scuttle butt aft , was kept lighted about fifteen minutes . Smoking is allowed aboard only when the smoking lamp is lighted , and as `` Hay '' was wont to say , it was lighted `` when you did not want to smoke . '' At ten minutes past one `` turn to '' was piped by the boatswain 's mates , followed by the call for sweepers . Then came the order , `` Stand by your scrub and wash clothes . ''

13826

1

ten minutes past one

During the day we steamed slowly along , a bright lookout being kept by the men at the foremast-head for suspicious steamers . After dinner at eight bells -LRB- 12 o'clock -RRB- , the smoking lamp , which hangs near the scuttle butt aft , was kept lighted about fifteen minutes . Smoking is allowed aboard only when the smoking lamp is lighted , and as `` Hay '' was wont to say , it was lighted `` when you did not want to smoke . '' At ten minutes past one `` turn to '' was piped by the boatswain 's mates , followed by the call for sweepers . Then came the order , `` Stand by your scrub and wash clothes . '' So the `` Kid '' and I hastened forward , both anxious to see if our initial clothes-washing venture was a success . We had depended on the sun to bleach our much be-scrubbed clothes , but -- well -- I would have left them where they were if I could .

13826

1

1:30

We had depended on the sun to bleach our much be-scrubbed clothes , but -- well -- I would have left them where they were if I could . As for the `` Kid 's '' -- after holding them off at arm 's length for a while , he remarked , `` Why , I would not use such rags to clean my bicycle at home , '' and threw them overboard . He was always a reckless chap . The infantry drill we had at afternoon quarters at 1:30 , served to keep us busy . The same thing had been gone through on the `` New Hampshire '' many a time and oft . We found it rather difficult to march straight and keep a good line on a swaying deck . So we were kept at it until we had got the hang of it .

13826

4

four o'clock

Within a short time we were under way again . The usual watches were set , but very few of the boys went below . The mere rumor that the enemy was prowling along the coast was enough to prevent sleep . My watch went on duty at four o'clock . We were not called in the usual way , by the boatswain 's whistle , but each man was roused separately . This in itself was sufficient to lend an air of intense interest to the scene . On reaching the deck I found that the night had grown stormy .

13826

20

8 p.m.

Sea watches were kept night and day ; half of the crew being on duty all the time , and one watch relieving the other every four hours . The watch `` on deck '' or on duty on a stormy night found it very tedious waiting for the `` watch below '' to come and relieve them . The man who could tell a story or sing a song was in great demand , and the man who could get up a `` Yankee '' song was a popular hero . The night after our wild goose chase , described in the last chapter , the port watch had the `` long watch '' ; that is , the watch from 8 p.m. to midnight , and from four to eight the next morning -- which allowed but four hour 's sleep . It was raining and the decks were wet and slippery . The water dripped off the rims of our sou ` westers in dismal fashion , and the fog hung like a blanket around the ship , while the sea lapped her sides unseen . Our fog-horn tooted at intervals , and everything was as damp , dark , and forlorn as could be .

13826

12

twelve o'clock

The `` watch on deck '' was not allowed to go below at night , so the only shelter allowed us was the fire room and the main companion-way . The latter could hold but a few men , and the only alternative was the fire or `` drum '' room , into which the heat and gas from the furnaces ascended from the bowels of the ship , making it impossible for a man to breathe the atmosphere there for more than half an hour at a time . The after wheel-house was sometimes taken advantage of by the more venturesome of the boys , but the risk was great , for `` Cutlets '' was continually prowling around , and the man found taking shelter there would receive tongue lashings hard to bear , with abuse entirely out of proportion to the offence . A little before twelve o'clock we heard the boatswain 's pipe , and the long drawn shout , `` On deck all the starboard watch , '' and `` All the starboard watch to muster . '' So we knew that we would soon be relieved , and would be able to take the much-needed four hours ' sleep in our `` sleeping bags , '' as `` Hay '' called them . The starboard men came slowly up , rubbing their eyes , buttoning their oilskins , and tying their sou ` westers on by a string under their chins as they walked . `` Hurry up there , will you ? ''

13826

0

midnight

`` Get a move on and give us a chance to get out of this beastly wet . '' A sharp retort is given , and the men move on in the same leisurely way . The men of both watches are hardly in the best of humors . It is not pleasant to be waked up at midnight to stand a four hours ' watch in the rain and fog , nor is it the most enjoyable thing in life to be delayed , after standing a four hours ' watch in the rain , realizing all the time that each minute of waiting takes that precious time from the scant four hours ' sleep . But finally `` all the watch '' is piped , and we go below and flop into our hammocks , to sleep as soundly and dreamlessly as babies . A sailor will sleep like a dead man through all kinds of noises and calls , but the minute his own watch is called he is wide awake in an instant , from sheer force of habit . So when the boatswain 's mate went around with his pipe , singing out as he dodged in and out among the swinging hammocks , `` On deck all the port watch , '' each of us jumped out of his swaying bed and began to climb into his damp clothes and stiff `` oilers . ''

13826

5

five o'clock

The mud-hook was dropped in the bay off Tompkinsville , Thursday , May 26th , seventeen days after we left the navy yard . It seemed seventeen months . An `` anchor watch '' of sixteen men was set for the night , and most of us turned in early to enjoy the first good sleep for many weary days . All hands were turned out at five o'clock . We woke to find a big coal barge on either side of the ship . After breakfast the order `` turn to '' was given . `` All hands coal ship , starboard watch on the starboard lighter , port watch on the port lighter . ''

13826

7

seven o'clock in the morning

We woke to find a big coal barge on either side of the ship . After breakfast the order `` turn to '' was given . `` All hands coal ship , starboard watch on the starboard lighter , port watch on the port lighter . '' From seven o'clock in the morning till twelve o'clock that night , the crew of the `` Yankee '' -- aforetime lawyers , physicians , literary men , brokers , merchants , students , and clerks -- men who had never done any harder work than play football , or row in a shell -- coaled ship without any rest , other than the three half hours at meal times . About the hardest , dirtiest work a man could do . The navy style of coaling is different from that customary in the merchant service . In the latter , the dirty work is done in the quickest , easiest way possible .

13826

6

six o'clock

The peculiar feeling of antagonism which is supposed to exist between the sailors and marines did not obtain in his case . In the navy the hammock which serves the living as a bed by night is also their coffin and their shroud . It so served Corporal Murray . -LSB- Illustration : `` WITH A FRIGHTFUL ROAR THE DEFECTIVE CARTRIDGE EXPLODED '' -RSB- Shortly after four bells -LRB- six o'clock -RRB- on the evening of the day on which the accident occurred , the boatswain 's mate sent the shrill piping of his whistle echoing through the ship , following it with the words , doleful and long drawn out : `` All hands shift-ft-ft into clean-n-n blue and stand by to bury the dead-d-d ! '' When the crew assembled on the gun deck in obedience to the call , the sun was just disappearing beyond the edge of the distant horizon . Its last rays entered the open port , showing to us the dead man 's figure outlined under an American flag . The body had been placed upon a grating in front of an open port , and several men were stationed close by in readiness to launch it into the sea .

13826

12

noon

Somewhere beyond that towering mountain was Santiago , the port in which the flea-like squadron of Admiral Cervera was bottled up , and there was a deadly fear in our hearts that the wily Spaniard would sally forth to battle before we could join our fleet . We pictured to ourselves the gray mountain massed high about the narrow entrance of Santiago Bay , the picturesque Morro Castle , squatting like a grim giant above the strait , and outside , tossing and bobbing upon the swell of a restless sea , the mighty semicircle of drab ships waiting , yearning for the outcoming of the Dons . We of the `` Yankee , '' I repeat , were in an agony of dread that we would arrive too late . Cape Maysi , the scene of many an adventurous filibustering expedition , was passed at high noon , and at eight bells in the evening the anchor was dropped off Mole St. Nicholas , a convenient port in the island of Hayti . As we steamed into the harbor we passed close to the auxiliary cruiser `` St. Louis . '' The anchor was scarcely on the bottom when the gig was called away . We awaited the return of Captain Brownson with impatience .

13826

12

noon

Nothing more was said . The glory of the deed was overshadowed by the supposed fate of the gallant volunteer crew . The `` Yankee '' steamed in to a position designated by the flagship , and the captain went aboard to pay his respects to Admiral Sampson . A Spanish tug , flying a flag of truce , which had emerged from the harbor at noon , met one of our tugs , also flying a flag of truce , and almost immediately a string of signals went up to the signal yard of the `` New York . '' Then came such a burst of cheers and whistling and tossing of hats from every ship in the fleet that it seemed as if every officer and sailor in Sampson 's squadron had suddenly gone daft . Like wildfire , the glorious news spread -- Hobson and his men were safe ! The tug from the harbor had brought an officer sent by Admiral Cervera himself with a message stating that the brave naval constructor and all his crew had been captured alive and were now prisoners in Morro Castle .

13826

20

about eight o'clock in the evening

Well , it happened that the family with whom my cousin was stopping consisted of father and mother and one son about ten years old . The boy , whose name was Mike , was a regular limb . Always in mischief and -- '' `` As I was saying , '' broke in Tom at this juncture , `` when I was about to leave the hospital , a man in the upper ward concluded to depart this world for a better one . It happened about eight o'clock in the evening , and , as was usual in such cases , the nurse on watch was supposed to get several convalescent patients and a stretcher and carry the body down to a little wooden house a hundred yards from the main building . The nurse , with whom I was on friendly terms , had an important case to attend to just then and he asked me if I would n't take charge of the stretcher party . Well , we started down the yard , I leading the way with a lantern , and we finally reached the little house . We entered and -- '' `` Some people think they are the only story tellers in the group , '' remarked `` Bill '' with mild sarcasm at that interesting point .

13826

5

five o'clock

This was to give added protection to a vital part of the ship . The work was hard and unpleasant , especially to men who had not spent the major portion of their lives at manual labor , but it was one of those disagreeable fortunes of war to which we were growing accustomed , and we toiled without comment . That night when we turned in , that is , those who were fortunate enough to have the `` off watch , '' it was generally rumored about the decks that the fleet would surely bombard early the following morning . About two bells -LRB- five o'clock -RRB- the different guns ' crews , who were sleeping at the batteries , were called by the boatswain 's mates , and told to go to breakfast at once . `` It 's coming , '' exclaimed `` Hay , '' joyfully . `` The old ` Yankee ' will see her real baptism of fire to-day . ` Kid , ' you young rat , you 'll have a chance to dodge shells before you are many hours older . ''

13826

7

seven o'clock

The day seemed fitted for the work we had in hand . The sky was overcast , and occasionally a rain squall would sweep from the direction of the land , and envelop the fleet . It was not a cold , raw rain , like that encountered in more northern latitudes in early summer , but a dripping of moisture peculiarly grateful after the heat of the previous day . Shortly before seven o'clock , the members of the crew were in readiness for business . The majority had removed their superfluous clothing , and it was a stirring sight to watch the different guns ' crews , stripped to the waist and barefooted , standing at their stations . There was something in the cool , practical manner in which each man prepared for work that promised well , and it should be said to the everlasting credit of the Naval Reserves that they invariably fought with the calmness and precision of veterans whenever they were called upon . In the present case , there would have been some excuse for faint-heartedness .

13826

7

seven o'clock

There was something in the cool , practical manner in which each man prepared for work that promised well , and it should be said to the everlasting credit of the Naval Reserves that they invariably fought with the calmness and precision of veterans whenever they were called upon . In the present case , there would have been some excuse for faint-heartedness . The crew of the `` Yankee , '' made up of men whose previous lives had been those of absolute peace , who had never heard a shot fired in anger before their arrival at Santiago , who had left home and business in defence of the flag -- these men went about their preparations for attacking the fortifications with as little apparent concern as if it were simply a yachting trip . There was no holding back , no hesitancy , no looks of concern or anxiety , but when the signal to advance inshore appeared on the `` New York , '' at six bells -LRB- seven o'clock -RRB- , there was a feeling of relief that the time of waiting was over . We were to be in it at last . The flagship 's signal to advance in formation was obeyed at once . Moving in double column , the fleet stood in toward the batteries .

13826

7

7:45 a.m.

Men could also be seen running about in some new batteries a little to the eastward of Morro Castle . It was evident to us at once that the enemy had not anticipated an attack on such a rainy , windy day . On swept the two lines of ships without firing a shot until they formed a semicircle , with the heavier vessels directly facing the forts ; then the `` New York '' opened fire with one of her heavy guns , the `` Iowa '' following immediately . At this moment , 7:45 a.m. , the ships were arranged as follows , counting from the right : `` New York , '' `` Yankee , '' `` New Orleans , '' `` Massachusetts , '' `` Oregon , '' `` Iowa , '' `` Indiana , '' `` Texas , '' `` Marblehead , '' and `` Brooklyn . '' Guarding the extreme left were the `` Vixen '' and `` Suwanee , '' and doing similar duty on the other flank were the `` Dolphin '' and `` Porter . '' The shot from the flagship was the signal for a general bombardment . There was no settled order of firing , but each ship just `` pitched in , '' to use a common expression , and banged away at the forts with every available gun .

13826

7

seven o'clock

As yet not one of the American vessels had been reached by a shell , nor had the forts suffered any perceptible damage . The fleet , roaring and thundering , was swinging back and forth through the great semicircle , the smoke from the guns was banking along the beach , and from Morro Castle and its attending batteries came sharp , defiant answers to the interminable volleys fired by our squadron . `` It 's a good thing Uncle Sam 's shot locker is pretty capacious , '' remarked Flagg , as we shoved another cartridge into the yawning breech of our five-inch gun . `` If we have n't fired over three hundred rounds since seven o'clock I ca n't count . '' `` It 'll be double that before we get through , '' grunted `` Long Tommy , '' as we stepped back from the loaded gun . `` Steady , there . Stand by ! ''

13826

10

ten o'clock

`` The cost of the projectiles and the wear and tear to guns and ships must be something enormous . '' Tommy 's answer was drowned in the thundering roar of the `` New York 's '' battery , which opened fire just then a short distance away , but it was evident he agreed with me . A moment later Number Eight went into action once more , and we worked the breechloader without cessation until the conclusion of the bombardment , which came a half hour later . The fortifications ashore had entirely ceased firing , and at ten o'clock a signal to stop bombarding appeared on the flagship . It was obeyed with reluctance , and it was evident the crews of the various ships were anxious and eager to continue . As the fleet drew off there was a puff of smoke in one corner of Punta Gorda battery and a shell whizzed over the `` Massachusetts . '' A second shot came from one of the earthworks , and still another from Punta Gorda ; then the firing ceased again .