noon
David hung his head for a moment , then lifted it with a smile , and sailed in the spirit into the China seas , and there told them how the Chinamen used to slip on board his ship and steal with supernatural dexterity , and the sailors catch them by the tails , which they observing , came ever with their tails soaped like pigs at a village feast ; and how some foolhardy sailors would venture into the town at the risk of their lives ; and how one day they had to run for it , and when they got to the shore their boat was stolen , and they had to ` bout ship and fight it out , and one fellow who knew the natives had loaded the sailors ' guns with currant jelly . Make ready -- present -- fire ! In a moment the troops of the Celestial Empire smarted , and were spattered with seeming gore , and fled yelling . Then he told how a poor comrade of his was nabbed and clapped in prison , and his hands and feet were to be cut off at sunrise ; himself at noon . It was midnight , and strict orders from the quarterdeck had been issued that no man should leave the ship : what was to be done ? It was a moonlight night . They met , silent as death , between decks -- dare n't speak above a whisper , for fear the officers should hear them .