about
noon
We had now only a few raw potatoes and onions , and the little store of biscuits which the doctor had so wisely husbanded . The mate told us that we must make up our minds to live on very short allowance , and be content with a quarter of a biscuit , an onion , and a small piece of raw potato . To make the latter more wholesome he cut them and hung them up to dry in the sun . Our food was served out about noon , and each day we sat eagerly waiting for the hour . Horner would turn his eyes up and watch the sun till he fancied that it had gained its greatest altitude , and then cry out to the mate -- `` It must be twelve o'clock , now , sir . Wo n't Dr Cockle look at his watch and see ? '' The doctor was the only person who kept his watch wound up .