twelve o'clock
Mulford saw that argument was useless , and he confined his remarks , during the rest of the conversation , to showing Rose the manner in which the longitude of a place might be ascertained , with the aid of the chronometer , and by means of observations to get the true time of day , at the particular place itself . Rose was so quick-witted , and already so well instructed , as easily to comprehend the principles ; the details being matters of no great moment to one of her sex and habits . But Mrs. Budd remained antagonist to the last . She obstinately maintained that twelve o'clock was twelve o'clock ; or , if there was any difference , `` London hours were notoriously later than those of New York . '' Against such assertions arguments were obviously useless , and Mulford , perceiving that Rose began to fidget , had sufficient tact to change the conversation altogether . And still the Molly Swash kept in swift motion . Montauk was by this time abeam , and the little brigantine began to rise and fall , on the long swells of the Atlantic , which now opened before her , in one vast sheet of green and rolling waters .