noon
`` When will the yacht reach these waters ? '' Dave inquired . `` As I have said , she is here already , or as near as she will come , '' the Frenchman continued . `` At noon she was at anchorage in the channel between the islands of Comino and Gozo . It is known as the North Channel . '' `` I know the spot , '' said Dave , nodding . `` Comino is the little island that is used as a quarantine station .