noon
His melancholy air , and the preoccupation of his manner , confirmed my worst fears . Again I sought the Ixion of the vessel , who calmly and stolidly performed his duty as if , indeed , Fate directed , without a change of feature now , or expression . `` Has the captain no hope of rescue , Mr. Garth ? '' `` Oh yes ; he thinks we shall meet a ship or two between now and noon -- we ` most always do , you know '' -- rolling his quid slowly , and hesitating for a while ; `` keep heart , keep heart ! I had thought from your face you were stronger ; besides , the pumps are doing good work in the hold : who knows what may come of it , who knows ? '' Alas ! alas !