midday
He then descended to the deck , leaving a sailor in the tops . Two hours later the latter announced that the topsails of three ships coming out from the harbor were visible . `` We have nigh thirty miles ' start , '' the captain said . `` They will not be up to us till to-morrow at midday . '' `` Do you think it would be any use to try to lose them by altering our course in the night ? '' Harry asked . `` No , '' the captain answered .