noon
We have many a long league to go over before we can reach even the Auckland Islands ; and I pray that the weather may continue fine till we get there . '' In spite , however , of Willy 's resolution he often dropped asleep , though he roused himself up on such occasions , and again spoke to Shafto . Harry himself at times felt that , had he not been standing up , he should have fallen asleep too ; and he promised Willy that , should the sea go down , he would in the morning let Paul Lizard relieve him at the helm . How anxiously he longed for daylight , hoping at noon to take an observation and ascertain their exact position . As the sun rose , its bright rays shining on the eyes of several of the sleepers , roused them up . Some at first looked bewildered , as if they had forgotten what had occurred . When they found that the sea had gone down , and the wind decreased to a moderate breeze , a gleam of satisfaction , such as had not before been seen , appeared on their countenances .