noon
Round and round he swam , and finally his hands closed over something small and slippery . Breathlessly he fingered it , and opening his hand as he trod water , he beheld the mushy rice grains . Taking a long survey , he assured himself that there was no one in sight . Yesterday the Moros had not come before noon ; and if he worked quickly , he might discover the secret to-day . Taking a long breath , Piang dived straight down and , swimming along the bottom , examined the rocks carefully ; but he came back to the surface none the wiser for his plunge . A puzzled look puckered his face . Tilting his head to one side , he considered .