noon
Still the gale continued , and I had my apprehensions , from the condition of the ship , that another leak might yet be sprung and all our efforts prove vain . Even a winter gale of wind in those latitudes off the American coast must come to an end , and this , by the morning of the 5th , sufficiently abated to allow me to set the fore and main stay-sails . I then stood towards the land . At noon Rockets came into my cabin , where I had gone to snatch a few minutes ' sleep , and reported a ship and two schooners in sight . `` An enemy , I 'll warrant , '' I said to myself testily . `` I shall be driven out to sea again , or perhaps , after all , fall into their hands . '' Still I stood towards them , ready to make all sail to escape should my suspicions be realised .