noon
At the same time he stole a glance seaward to where the _ Flibberty-Gibbet _ reflected herself in the glassy calm of the sea . Not a soul was visible under her awnings , and he saw the whale-boat was missing from alongside . The Tahitians had evidently gone shooting fish up the Balesuna . He was all alone in his high place above this trouble , while his world slumbered peacefully under the breathless tropic noon . Nobody replied , and he repeated his demand , more of mastery in his voice this time , and a hint of growing anger . The blacks moved uneasily , like a herd of cattle , at the sound of his voice . But not one spoke .