noon
The topmost sail , it seems like some dim pinnacle Cresting a shadowy tower amid the air ; While red and fitful gleams come from the binnacle , The only light on board to guide us -- where ? '' On went the `` Martha Blunt '' with no fears of danger near . The bell struck eight , the watch had been called , and the captain , taking a satisfactory look all around the horizon , glanced at the compass , and , with a slight yawn , said , `` Well , Mr. Binks , I believe I 'll turn in for a few hours ; keep the brig on her course , and at daylight call me . It will be time enough then to bend the cables , for I do n't think we shall want the anchors much afore noon to-morrow . Where 's the corvette ? '' `` There she is , sir , away off on the port beam . She made more sail a few minutes ago , and now she appears to be edging off the wind , and steering across our forefoot .