noon
Our bulwarks were stove in , and two of our boats carried away . We lost our topmasts , and received other damage ; but the stout old ship still battled bravely with the seas . As the morning broke the wind began to abate . By noon the sun was shining brightly , and the sea had gone much down . `` Perhaps , after all , '' observed Tony , `` we shall go round the Cape with you to Quito , and then have to find our way down the Amazon to Para , as I suppose that will then be the shortest road there . '' `` I am afraid , young gentleman , you would find that a very long road , '' observed Captain Byles . `` As the ship requires repairs , I must run into Rio de Janeiro , and from thence you will more easily get to Para , though I should have been very happy to have had your company round Cape Horn . ''