noon
But the Rector saw that the distance between them was considerable . He had a good start . He would run , run , run , damn it , clear to Marseilles if necessary -- provided , that is , the old band-box did n't sink , cargo , crew , and all . At noon the _ Garbosa _ had held her own . By that time they must surely have been as far up as Valencia . Suddenly the cutter changed her course , and turned shoreward , abandoning the chase . The sly devils !