noon
And , further , remember this -- that henceforward , for every Englishman who is lost on these shores , and is found to have perished under the hands of your Inquisitors , the English will take a terrible vengeance , exacting the lives of ten of the most distinguished Spaniards upon whom they can lay hands . `` Now , our Captain is somewhere in your city at this moment , and for your own sakes he must be found and brought on board this ship before noon . And when that is done we will talk further with you . But if by noon he is not found and delivered up to us , then I say to you that we will first bombard your town , and afterwards sack and destroy it , as a lesson to you and all Spaniards to beware henceforward how you meddle with Englishmen , even when they seem to be absolutely at your mercy . Now , translate that to the illustrious senors your companions . '' The interpreter did so ; and as he proceeded the varied emotions of indignation , horror , and fear that were evoked by Bascomb 's plain speaking were easily enough discernible upon the countenances of his audience . They flushed and turned pale by turns , they wrung their hands , and once his Excellency the Governor started to his feet and shook his fist savagely at the little group on the _ Adventure 's _ poop , but was instantly dragged down again by his comrades , who evidently feared the English more than they did him .