noon
I consulted such maps as I had , and came to the conclusion that we were off the county Down , a part of the kingdom that was at least civilized , and where we should be apt to receive good treatment , in the event of being wrecked . Our fishermen told us that they belonged to a Bally-something ; but what the something was I have forgotten , if I ever understood them . '' _ Told _ us , '' I say out of complaisance , but '' _ tould _ '' would be the better word , as all they uttered savoured so much of the brogue , that it was not always easy to get at their meaning . It was past noon when the Dawn anchored ; and the wind got more to the eastward , about half an hour afterwards . It was out of the question to think of getting under way again , with so strong a wind , and with our feeble crew . Had it been perfectly smooth water , and had there been neither tide , nor air , it would have taken us half a day , at least , to get out two bowers . It was folly , therefore , to think of it , situated as we were .