noon before
`` You should have had Tippo Sahib at your heels , sir , '' said Paul . `` He showed us yesterday that he was ready enough to fight , and he is twice as savage on shore . '' Some time was occupied in cutting up and packing the seal 's flesh , and then , each man carrying a load , they turned their steps towards the Flagstaff-hill . It was past noon before they got back , but Harry still hoped to be able to reach the settlement at nightfall . The fire had to be relighted , and as soon as some of the seal had been cooked and eaten , they hastened down to launch the boat . It took some time to do so ; but at length she was got afloat ; and , leaving the boatswain and two of the men at the look-out station , Harry and the rest made sail . Though the weather appeared threatening , he was unwilling to abandon his intention .