noon
We had brought the top-sails down lower than was necessary , in order to anticipate the time when it might be indispensable . The first of the men who came on board us was named Terence O ' something . His countenance was the droll medley of fun , shrewdness , and blundering , that is so often found in the Irish peasant , and which appears to be characteristic of entire races in the island . `` A fine marnin ' , yer honour , '' he began , with a self-possession that nothing could disturb , though it was some time past noon , and the day was anything but such a one as a seaman likes . `` A fine marnin ' , yer honour , and _ as _ fine a ship ! Is it fish that yer honour will be asking for ? '' `` I will take some of your fish , my friend , and pay you well for them . ''