noon
It may be easily believed that there was no conversation during those hours of elemental strife , though the thoughts of each were busy enough . At last the thunder ceased , or , rather , retired as if in growling defiance of the world which it had failed to destroy . Then the sky began to lighten a little , and although the wind did not materially abate in force it became more steady and equal . Before noon , however , it had subsided so much that Moses suggested the propriety of continuing the voyage . To this Van der Kemp agreed , and the floating anchor was hauled in ; the large paddle was resumed by the hermit , and the dangerous process of turning the canoe was successfully accomplished . When the mast was again set up and the close-reefed main and foresails were hoisted , the light craft bounded away once more before the wind like a fleck of foam . Then a gleam of sunshine forced its way through the driving clouds , and painted a spot of emerald green on the heaving sea .