noon
He had joyfully recognized the handwriting of its address , but was at the same time puzzled to know how Rose could have learned his present abiding-place . Now he was filled with consternation at his carelessness . Of course , though , he must have dropped the letter while transferring the contents of his pockets , and he would surely find it again upon his return to the Trefethen cottage . At Laughing Fish Cove the log-wrecking party was landed , shortly after noon , near a fishing settlement of half a dozen forlorn-appearing huts that stood in an irregular row on the beach . A few slatternly women , and twice their number of wild-eyed children , were the sole occupants of the place , for its men were away on the lake tending their nets . Again was Peveril disappointed to learn , from the appearance and conversation of these people , that they also were foreigners , speaking a language unintelligible to him , though evidently comprehended by two of his men . Captain Spillins explained that , uninviting as the place looked , it was one of the very few harbors on that rugged coast in which the logs of which Peveril was in search could be rafted and held in safety until called for .