noon
gold ! gold ! gold ! '' It was long past noon when the pirate returned to his island home , and the day was hot , for the sea-breeze had not made , and the tropical sun was pouring down its burning rays until the sand was roasting as in a furnace ; the very rocks throwing off a trembling mirage of heated air , and the lagoon almost boiling under the fiery influence . The sailors , with aching heads and parched mouths , were swinging in their grass hammocks beneath the sheds ; and , save the watchful vigilance of the men at the look-outs and battery , the little island was wrapped in repose . Captain Brand , however , was as cool as a cucumber ; and regardless of the heat , and indifferent about _ siesta _ , he drew the curtains of the saloon , and took some active exercise . First , however , he desired his faithful Babette to get out some camphor trunks and pack the contents of his splendid wardrobe .