noon
`` The boat is moving , '' whispered the American . With the screw motionless , she had been lifted clear by the tide and now swung clear . The Captain drew out his watch and held it so the moonlight lit up the face . `` There is no reaching Zalapata until toward noon , provided we get there with this gunboat , Major . '' The significant intonation and smile which accompanied these words puzzled the American , who would have given much to have had them explained . But it was useless to question the Captain and the only comfort was in the thought that he was an honorable foe . `` Now for Zalapata ! ''