noon
`` But do n't suppose , David , I 'm so jolly green as to believe what you 're telling me ; no offence to you , though . '' `` You 'll see , youngster , that what I say is true ; so look out for him , '' was old McGee 's answer , as he turned on his heel . I had observed that for a few days past the old hands were busy about some work , which they kept concealed from the youngsters , or the green hands , to which class I belonged . Everything went on as usual till eight bells had been struck at noon , when an immense garland , formed of ribbons of all colours , bits of calico , bunting , and artificial flowers , or what were intended for them , was run up at the mizzen-peak . On the top of the garland was the model of a ship , full-rigged , with sails set and colours flying . Scarcely had it gone aloft , when I was startled by a loud bellowing sound , which seemed to come from a piece of ice floating ahead of the ship . `` What 's that ? ''