noon
Then , despite the profuse perspiration , both fell asleep , not to waken until the rattling of the cable through the hawse-holes told that they were in the harbor . A semi-tropical port in midsummer is by no means a pleasant place however diversified and picturesque the scenery may be , and when the boys awakened from their restless slumber the lassitude which beset them told how great an effect the climate could exert . Even Mr. Emery was disinclined to any severe exertion ; but his business must be transacted , and , after a breakfast eaten on deck , he ordered the boat to be made ready . `` If possible I shall leave to-night , '' Neal and Teddy heard him say to the sailing master , `` therefore it will be well to get your ambergris on shore before noon . '' Neither of the boys cared to see the town at the expense of walking around under the blazing sun , and when Mr. Emery was being rowed toward the dock-yard they joined Jake who , in the coolest spot under the awning , was watching the fishermen near by . The water was clear as crystal , and of a bright greenish tinge which admitted of their seeing very distinctly the tiny fish of silver and golden hues as they darted to and fro ; the violet and blue medusæ , and the cream-colored jelly-fish as big as a watermelon . There were angel fish of a bright blue tinge ; yellow snappers ; black and white sergeant majors ; pilot fish ; puff fish which could inflate their bodies until they were round as a ball , or flatten themselves to the shape of a griddle cake .