noon
What did they want to have a chart of their own for and to mark the course of the vessel every day ? '' `` They did n't , '' said the captain . `` Indeed they did , and if I did not tell you sooner it was because you were always ready to laugh at what I said about them . They had instruments o ' their own -- when they used them I ca n't say -- but every day at noon they worked out the latitude and longitude , and marked out the vessel 's position on a chart that was pinned on their cabin table . I saw them at it , and so did the steward from his pantry . '' `` Well , I do n't see what you prove from that , '' the captain remarked , `` though I confess it is a strange thing . '' `` I 'll tell you another strange thing , '' said the mate impressively .