Noon
The mate leaped into her , and they pulled rapidly ashore . Another cutter , carrying an armed crew , soon followed . In an hour 's time the first returned , towing the two whale-boats , which had been found turned up like tortoises on the beach . Noon came , and nothing more was heard from the deserters . Meanwhile Doctor Long Ghost and myself lounged about , cultivating an acquaintance , and gazing upon the shore scenery . The bay was as calm as death ; the sun high and hot ; and occasionally a still gliding canoe stole out from behind the headlands , and shot across the water . And all the morning long our sick men limped about the deck , casting wistful glances inland , where the palm-trees waved and beckoned them into their reviving shades .