noon
`` After all , why should they ? '' asked Wilson , `` there 's nothing more to be done here , and the allies of our illustrious government can scarcely be asked to show much interest in an English steamer with a harmless cargo . '' Wilson joined the captain and the first mate on the bridge , and all three leaned against the railing and tried through their glasses to discover the fires of the Golden Gate through the darkness ; but not a gleam of light was to be seen . `` I do n't believe we 'll be allowed to enter the harbor at night , '' began the first mate again , `` more especially as our instructions are to reach the Golden Gate at noon . '' `` Yes , but if the engines wo n't work properly , how the devil can they expect us to be punctual ! '' grumbled the captain . `` Look , '' cried Wilson , pointing to the blinding flash of a searchlight in front of them , `` they 've got us at last ! ''