noon
They expected every instant to catch sight of the boats pulling off to attack the dhows . Neither appeared , and they at length began to fear that either Lieutenant Matson or Collins the mate , or perhaps both of them , had been killed or wounded ; and that so many of the men had been hurt that they were unable to make the attempt . The day was drawing on . They had brought up a small keg of water and some provisions , or they would by this time have been almost starved , as under ordinary circumstances they would have been relieved at noon . However , as Desmond observed , they had to `` grin and bear it . '' Still , not forgetful of their duty , they were keeping a look-out over the ocean , when one of the men exclaimed , `` We shall have more visitors than we bargained for ; see , Mr Rogers , here come a whole tribe of the rascally Arabs ; and if they find us out , we shall have a squeak for it . '' Tom turned his glass in the direction to which the man pointed .