noon
The cruise was a great success , if we take the Captain 's word for it , which word was given to Mrs. Beaver on their return to Little River . `` Them young folks had the time of their lives , and I never see a more likely pair than that little Beth and the minister as they stood by the wheel together steering the _ Jennie P. _ through them rollers . Beth takes to water just the same way she takes to everything , with her whole soul . '' It was noon when they cast anchor in the Riverhead Inlet . The men prepared to go ashore while the girls took out the lunches . As the baskets were opened , and bundles untied , Mr. McGowan suggested that they make for shore before their appetites demanded otherwise . At the landing the men parted , for the Captain had expressed the desire to make his visit alone .