noon
`` Thank you , Captain Flanger ; I am much obliged to you for giving me a better chance to breathe , though I suppose you are not very anxious that I should continue to breathe , '' replied Christy , assuming a degree of good nature which had no substantial foundation in reality . `` On the contrary , I dare say you intend to stop my breathing altogether as soon as you find it convenient to do so . '' `` Not so ; you can do all the breathing you want to , and I wo n't interfere as long as you behave yourself , '' replied Captain Flanger in a more civilized tone than his victim had heard him use before . `` But to-day noon you swore that you would kill me , '' added the prisoner , much surprised at the change in the manner of the ruffian since they had met on the sidewalk . `` I have altered my mind , '' replied the captain , leaving Christy in the hands of his companions , and walking down to the boat , where the two men in it seemed to be trying to find deeper water , so as to bring it nearer to the shore . `` Well , how do you find yourself , Christy ? '' asked Percy , placing himself in front of him .