noon
`` You had better return to the others at once , '' said the captain . `` Tell them they can come over here , and then we will make arrangements as to how all hands shall live until some ship comes to take us away . '' The Rovers suspected that Dan Baxter wished to remain behind , leaving the mate to go after the others . But Lesher would not go alone , and off they started at noon , each carrying a good supply of food with him , and also a pistol and some ammunition . `` I wish they were n't coming back , '' murmured Dora . `` I wish the same , Dora , '' said Dick . `` But it ca n't be helped and we must make the best of it . ''