noon
We caught sight , in the far distance to the southward , of the Manacles , a group of isolated rocks , on which more than one stout ship has been knocked to pieces . All along were fine romantic cliffs , the views rewarding us for our exertions . We returned on board soon after sunset , and I employed the rest of the evening in writing up my journal . A fine , bright morning found us outside the harbour , with the Manacles on our starboard bow , steering for the Lizard , which we hoped to round before noon , so as to reach Penzance that evening . We passed sufficiently near the Manacles to distinguish their black heads standing with threatening aspect high out of the water . `` It was there , sir , a few years ago , a large ship -- The John -- was lost during thick weather when making for Plymouth , and upwards of one hundred of her passengers and crew perished , '' observed Truck , as he pointed out the rocks to us . `` She had no business to be so close in shore , and that is all I can say .