noon
`` A dozen of them , and some with just as good hiding places , too . That 's why the smugglers used to hang out in that locality . They are ideal places for smugglers ' caves and the like , I can tell ye that , '' and Luke Peterson nodded his head sagaciously . At noon Parsons announced that they were within three miles of Needle Point Island . Dinner was ready , but it must be confessed that Dick was almost too excited to eat . Half a dozen vessels had thus far been sighted , but not one which looked like the _ Peacock _ . He was finishing up a hasty repast when a cry came from the deck .