noon
-- it 's -- '' He could not speak for his emotion , but his little pointed chin trembled a minute later as he relaxed and looked over his shoulder again . The typewriter clicked along for minutes , Terabon 's fingers dancing over the keys as he put down , word for word , and motion for motion , the man who was afraid of the river and yet was tripping down it . It seemed as though the man afraid must have some kind of courage , too , because he was going in spite of his fears . `` It 's passing noon , and I think I 'll get something to eat , '' Terabon suggested ; `` I 'll get up my -- '' `` I forgot to eat ! '' Carline said . `` I 've got everything , and that knob there is a three-burner oil stove . We 'll eat on board .