noon
On seeing the pile of sandal-wood , with the nature of which he was well acquainted , he remarked that it was of considerable value , and although he could carry but a small portion of it at present , it would be well worth while to send a vessel back for a cargo . As he had several people on board the small schooner , he was anxious to continue the voyage to Sydney -- to which port he was bound -- without delay . He therefore took off his children , with the doctor , Nub , and Dan ; while the mate remained to ship the provisions they had in store , -- which the captain said would be very welcome , -- as well as a small quantity of sandal-wood . By noon the whole party had embarked , and the little schooner , under all sail , was standing on her course for Sydney . `` She 's a strange-looking craft this of yours , captain , '' observed the mate , as he stepped on board . `` Not more strange than the way in which she was built , '' answered Captain Tredeagle . `` Oh father , that 's what Alice and I want so much to hear about ! ''