noon
inquired the negress , covering up more carefully the child , as she bent her head down upon it . A look of despair , and a shudder from cold and hunger , were the only reply . It was then about eight o'clock in the morning , and the swell of the ocean was fast subsiding . At noon the warmth of the sun was communicated to them through the planks of the _ caboose _ , while its rays poured a small stream of vivid light through the chinks of the closed panels . The negro appeared gradually to revive ; at last he rose , and with some difficulty contrived again to slide open the door . The sea had gradually decreased its violence , and but occasionally broke over the vessel ; carefully holding on by the door-jambs , Coco gained the outside , that he might survey the horizon . ` What you see , Coco ? '