noon
Did as the skipper had requested , receiving young Dumaresq into the gig in his place , and then the several boats lay upon their oars , awaiting further orders . Captain Chesney seemed to be very reluctant , even now , to quit the neighbourhood of the burning ship ; and therein I considered that he was displaying sound judgment , for the weather was still stark calm , and whatever movement we might make would have to be executed with the oars , which would soon result in greatly fatiguing the men without any commensurate advantage . Moreover the Indiaman was now a blazing beacon , the light from which would be distinctly visible at a distance of at least thirty or forty miles in every direction , and would be sure to attract attention should any craft be in the neighbourhood , probably leading to her steering in our direction as soon as a breeze should spring up ; in which case we might all hope to be picked up . That this was in his mind was evident , for he presently summoned all the boats about him , and pointed out to their occupants the possibilities of rescue by remaining in the neighbourhood of the burning ship , and he then went on to say : `` Our reckoning at noon showed that we were then -- as we have since remained -- seven hundred and twenty miles south-west by south from the island of Corvo , one of the Azores , which is the nearest land . There is a small town called Rosario upon this island , where , if we can but reach it , I have no doubt we can obtain succour ; and I therefore intend to steer for Corvo , not only for the reason that I have mentioned , but also because most homeward-bound ships endeavour to make the Azores , and we therefore stand a very good chance of being picked up at any moment . Now , gentlemen , those of you who are in charge of boats will be pleased to remember that the course is north-east by north , and the distance seven hundred and twenty miles . You will also be pleased to remember that the boats are to keep company as long as the weather will permit , unless otherwise ordered by me .