nearly two hours after noon before
If we could reach it , we might there obtain assistance . By this time Pember had roused up a little , and was able to assume the command of our frail craft , for when he had his proper wits about him he was a very good seaman . Noalles , meantime , was getting worse and worse . It was nearly two hours after noon before our task was accomplished . We had picked up everything we could find floating about the wreck , but not a particle of food appeared , nor did a cask of water pass near us . What would we not have given for that . All this time the sun , in burning splendour , had been beating down upon our unprotected heads , for most of us had lost our hats .