nearly noon
Calling Schillie , Serena , and Oscar , with the two poor dogs , we got into the boat ; in a few minutes we approached , we landed , and seeing the showers of tears that rushed to our eyes , the captain considerately shoved off , and ere we had well dried them , clinging arms and soft voices hung round us , and welcomed us to this land of loveliness and beauty . A very short time elapsed ere we were all on shore , and would have wandered from tree to tree and rock to rock in pleasure too delicious to be described , had not the considerate kindness and untiring exertions of our good captain made us anxious to assist him as well as we could . Everybody was called into requisition , even the volatile Felix and the indolent Lilly were chidden into useful activity , and bestirred themselves to the best of their little powers , on being promised the reward of sleeping on shore . It was nearly noon when we landed , but , in spite of the heat , we worked untiringly , having , first of all , fixed on a dry and sheltered corner on which to have a tent pitched . Under the captain 's judicious management , the sailors soon erected a large and commodious apartment , into which we put couches and cushions to serve as beds ; a smaller tent , a few feet below us , was prepared for the captain , the boys , and Smart . A large fire was kindled ere night approached to keep off wild beasts , or scare any other unknown enemies . On a shelving rock , against which the waves gently broke , we had our first meal , one never to be forgotten by me , for the many mixed feelings with which it was partaken .