noon
Still , we have no evidence of that , and we ca n't attack the village on mere supposition . They have been friendly enough with us , partly because we have been here before , and the captain gets on well with them , but more because they are perfectly well aware that we are always on guard , and that there is no chance whatever of their catching us asleep . In nine cases out of ten it is the carelessness and over-confidence of sailors that tempt the natives to take advantage of it ; they would never have shown you these things if they had had any idea of attacking us . '' Next morning the operation of filling up the water-tanks was completed , and at noon the orders were given to weigh anchor . Steve saw how rightly the captain had foreseen what was likely to happen , for no sooner was the order given than two of the men came aft as a deputation from the crew . `` What is it , lads ? '' he asked .