noon
When the two schoolboys started out with the hired lad they did not intend to remain away longer than sunset , and not one of them dreamed of the marvelous adventures in store for each ere he should be permitted to see his native land again . The start was made in a fair breeze , and it looked so nice overhead that Mont proposed they take a short run directly into the ocean . `` All right -- I 'll go you , '' answered Carl slangily , and away they skimmed . By noon they were almost out of sight of land , and while they were eating the repast Stump had prepared Carl proposed that they turn back . This was hardly accomplished when it suddenly grew dark , and they found themselves caught in a squall . `` By gracious ! I did n't bargain for this ! ''