noon
Lying in the Bay of Lerwick , the sense of security and of nearness to friends gave him what he had long missed -- a night of deep , dreamless sleep . When he awoke it was late in the morning , and he had his breakfast to prepare and every spar and sail and rope to put in perfect order ; then he dressed himself with care , and sailed into harbor , managing his boat with a deftness and skill he expected a town of fishermen and sailors to take notice of . Alas , it is so difficult to find a fortunate hour ! David 's necessary delay had brought the morning nearly to the noon , and he could hardly have fallen on a more depressing time ; for the trade of the early morning was over , and the men were in their houses taking that sleep which those who work by night must secure in the daytime . The fishing-boats , all emptied of their last night 's `` take '' and cleaned , were idly rocking on the water . The utmost quiet reigned in the sunny streets , and the little pier was deserted . No one took any notice of David .