noon
`` We shall get to New Orleans by midnight , '' I added . `` What good will it do to get there by midnight ? As we approach the city there will be something to be seen , but our passengers ca n't see it in the night . If I understand the matter , we are in no hurry , and it makes no difference whether we get in to-night or to-morrow noon . '' `` I think you are right , Washburn ; at any rate it is best to be on the safe side . We will keep on as far as we can while we have the light , and then we will look out for a good place to tie up for the night , '' I answered . I had hardly come to a decision before we saw a large body floating down the river .