noon
Only the disappearing end of their craft was shown through the fumes that veiled the tide . It was Grenville 's useful catamaran , as he instantly discerned . A new resentment burned in his blood , but left him as helpless as before . At noon Elaine reluctantly consumed the last remaining drop of water . Grenville had taken a sip , and pretended to take a swallow . To refuse it longer , Elaine quite clearly comprehended , would be but to see it ooze away through the jar , to be drunk by the merciless heat . `` I shall get a new supply , '' said Sidney , attempting an accent of cheer , `` but I 'd rather avoid using that of the cavern , for fear it may not be wholesome . ''