noon
If I were you , I would keep up the fight . She is not yet a vowed sister . '' `` Walkirk , '' said I , offering him my hand ; `` you are a good fellow , and , although I can not believe what you say , I thank you for saying it . '' It was now long past noon , and we were both ready for the luncheon which we had brought with us . Walkirk opened the basket , and as he arranged its contents on the broad napkin , which he spread upon the grass , he ruminated . `` I think , '' he remarked , as we were eating , `` that I begin to understand the situation . At first I could not reconcile the facts with the Sand Lady 's statement that no one lived on her island but her family , but now I see that this creek must make an island of her domain ; and so it is that , although Captain Jabe is her neighbor , her statement is entirely correct . ''