noon
He , therefore , decided to get away as soon as possible . He did not wish to shield his son if he were in the wrong . But he wanted him to receive a fair trial , if the matter went that far , and not have him dealt with by a number of excited men who might let their passions get the upper hand . Shortly after noon the `` Eb and Flo '' slipped from her wharf , and headed downstream . The tide was fair , and the light breeze was favourable for a long tack out of the narrow channel into the main river below Spoon Island . The captain was at the wheel , with Eben by his side , ready for any orders which might be given . Very few words had passed between father and son during the day , and to all outward appearance they seemed like complete strangers .