noon
The rowers began to feel the strain , and the captain ordered the broad , lateen sails to be set on both masts . The breeze was well behind , the galley under good way , and for half an hour or so the sweeps were ordered in , and the slaves fed with a lump of coarse biscuit and refreshed with a pannikin of tepid water . Morgan and Jeffreys sat and talked quietly , and called out a cheery word to the three sailors , whose British hearts were bursting with shame and anger . In the heat of noon the breeze dropped , and the oars were set vigorously to work again . His excellency wanted quicker progress to be made , so the boatswains commenced to chant a rude song as they walked up and down , and called on the rowers to keep time to the swing of the tune . The fellows did their best , and some of the Spanish slaves joined in the chorus . The song , poor as it was heartened them a little ; but the spurt did not last long and the singing ceased .