noon
`` Sir Edward has taken four frigates down to the narrow part of the river , sir , and preparations have been made for placing a great chain there . Several of the ships are being towed out into the river , and are to be sunk in the passage . '' `` Any news of the Dutch having left Sheerness ? '' `` No , sir ; a shallop rowed up at noon , but was chased back again by one of our pinnaces . '' `` That is better than I had hoped . Come , come , we shall make a fight for it yet , '' and he strode away towards the landing . `` Shall I accompany you , sir ? ''