About noon
He often got into scrapes ; but he declared that , like a hedgehog or slater , or woodlouse , he always managed to roll himself out of them . `` I rather think the skipper has entered you on the books that you may have a share in the prize we are going to make , '' he observed . `` It will not be very great , but it is something , and no man on board will grudge it you . '' About noon we got the brig under our guns , when she hauled down her colours , and proved to be a richly-laden Letter of Marque . It was very pleasant returning into port with her , and this circumstance put everybody on board in good humour , the Captain and Lieutenant Schank especially , who of course had large shares . `` I wish I could accompany you , Mrs Burton , '' said Mr Schank , when we reached Portsmouth ; `` but that is impossible . You must let me frank you up , however , to my mother 's .