noon
On the shore , too , were a score or more of the piratical gang -- Spaniards , negroes , Indians , Italians , and who not -- ferocious-looking scoundrels , busy as bees , splicing and knotting ropes , stretching new rigging , cutting running gear from the coils of hemp or Manilla-grass rope , or making spun-yarn and chafing-mats ; while beneath the low mat sheds hard by , sail-makers were stitching away with their shining needles , making a set of square sails for the changed rig of the `` Centipede , '' or repairing old sails . But this was not all ; for in a shed beyond was the armorer , with a few hands , grinding pikes and cutlasses , and cleaning small arms ; while farther still was the gunner and his mate , filling powder-cases for the long gun and swivels , and making up musket and pistol ball-cartridges . In the midst of all these busy throngs moved Captain Brand , hither and thither , from vessel to forge , from sails to rigging , giving clear , sharp directions in various languages -- commendation here , reproof there -- inspecting with his own cold eyes every thing ; judging of all ; quick , active , ready ; never at a loss for an expedient , and urging on the work like a thorough-bred seaman as he was , who knew his own duty and how to make others do theirs . So went on the refitting of the `` Centipede , '' all through the burning hot tropical day ; and while the half-exhausted crew took a respite in the scorching noon for dinner , still their leader toiled on . Or , if he took a rest , it was in closely scrutinizing the progress made by his men , in puffing a cigar like to a small high-pressure engine , or in clambering up the steep face of the crag to the signal-station , where he would peer away in all directions around the island -- never missing the glance of a pelican 's pinion or the leap of a fish out of water . Then he would return to the cove and begin anew the work . It was no longer the elegant Captain Brand , in knee-breeches , point-lace sleeves , and velvet doublet , seated at his luxurious table , groaning under splendid plate , fine wines , and brilliant wax-lights , and dispensing a profuse hospitality , but Captain Brand the pirate , in tarry rig , amid sailors , sails , and cordage , munching a bit of hard biscuit at times , or a cube of salt-junk out of a mess kid , but ever ready , never weary , and always up to the professional mark .