noon
Hour after hour we sat gazing stupidly at each other . The hot sun rose and scorched us as before , while the bright glare his rays cast on the smooth ocean almost blinded our eyes . Several times I tried to rouse myself to talk to my men , and to encourage them ; but I own that I failed miserably in the attempt , and , from weakness , I was scarcely able to refrain from giving way to a flood of tears . It was some time past noon , when I saw Jack 's countenance brighten up . `` What is it ? '' I asked . He pointed eagerly to the southward .