noon
Besides this , they were there exposed to the full heat of the sun ; while by keeping inland they were sheltered from its scorching rays by the wide-spreading tops of the lofty trees . Now and then , when the beach presented a long stretch of hard sand , they were tempted to go down to it , but were soon glad to return to the shelter of the woods . As they advanced , the beach trended more and more to the west , and the mate 's opinion that they were on an island became fully confirmed . At noon they sat down to rest and dine in a shady spot with the sea in view , Dan having first gone out some distance ahead to ascertain whether any native village was in sight . `` All right ! '' he exclaimed as he returned , flourishing his stick . `` As far as my eyes can see , there is no other living being anywhere on the island ; and we would be after adding a fine counthry to the possessions of England , if we had but the British flag to hoist to the top of a tall pole , and take possession of it in the name of King George . ''