midday
`` I 'm as anxious as yourself , Mac , '' returned Wicks ; `` but there 's not wind enough to swear by . So let 's see your arm , and no more talk . '' The arm was set and splinted ; the body of Brown fetched from the forepeak , where it lay still and cold , and committed to the waters of the lagoon ; and the washing of the cabin rudely finished . All these were done ere midday ; and it was past three when the first cat 's - paw ruffled the lagoon , and the wind came in a dry squall , which presently sobered to a steady breeze . The interval was passed by all in feverish impatience , and by one of the party in secret and extreme concern of mind . Captain Wicks was a fore-and-aft sailor ; he could take a schooner through a Scotch reel , felt her mouth and divined her temper like a rider with a horse ; she , on her side , recognising her master and following his wishes like a dog . But by a not very unusual train of circumstance , the man 's dexterity was partial and circumscribed .