noon
Even the veechy , and this pursy old podestà , confirm the account ; for they have seen Ghita in Porto Ferrajo , and begin to think the Frenchman came in there solely on her account . '' `` I make no doubt , Captain Cuffe , that Lord Nelson will give a respite , or even a pardon , were the facts fairly laid before him , '' observed Griffin , who felt a generous interest in preserving the life of Raoul , the very man he had endeavored to destroy by fire only a few weeks before ; but such is the waywardness of man , and such are the mixed feelings generated by war . `` This is the most serious part of the affair , Griffin . The sentence is approved ; with an order that it shall be carried into effect this very day , between the hours of sunrise and sunset ; while here it is already noon , and we are to the southward of Campanella , and so distant from the flag-ship as to put signals out of the question . '' Griffin started ; all the grave difficulties of the case glancing upon his mind in a moment . An order , according to the habits of the service , and more especially an order of this serious character , was not to be questioned ; yet here was a dilemma in which there appeared no means of relief . `` Good God , Captain Cuffe , how unlucky !