noon
`` So have I , '' said Mr Meldrum ; `` but not a cyclone ! Look there , ahead , at that bank of storm-clouds ; perhaps we 're running into a worse gale than the one we 've got . '' `` Well , we can only act for the best , '' replied the captain curtly , apparently not relishing this criticism of his seamanship from a landsman -- as he thought -- who knew nothing about the matter ; and he then moved back to his post by the binnacle , leaving Mr Meldrum standing by the head of the companion , where he was presently joined by Frank Harness , the first and second mates being both forward , superintending the bending of preventer stays to secure the masts , which seemed to be ready to jump out of the ship from the leverage exercised even by the little sail she was carrying . By noon , when it was utterly impossible to take an observation , the heavens being black all round , with showers of hail and snow coming down at intervals , and the wind , blowing over the Antarctic ice-fields , seemed to cut the face as with a knife -- the temperature of the air had become bitterly cold , while the barometer fell to 29 inches . The very spirit of destruction appeared to brood over the ill-fated _ Nancy Bell _ . Mr Meldrum , after a brief visit below to look after his daughters and see how the American passenger was progressing since his accident , had returned on deck , accompanied by Kate , who pleaded so earnestly to be allowed to come that he could not resist her entreaties . She now stood , sheltered behind him , in the mouth of the companionway , watching the brewing of the fresh storm with which the vessel was about to be assailed -- Frank Harness close to her side as if for additional protection , although the captain had told him he might go below and have a spell off after being up all night .