noon
`` Not much , '' I replied ; `` but I fear it is rather late . '' `` That depends upon what you call late , '' he retorted . `` Some of your town-bred dandies are only in their first nap about this time . As a matter of absolute fact , however , it has just gone eight bells , or noon ; so that you see , my young friend , breakfast is over long enough ago . But I dare say Patterson can find something for you all the same . '' He rang a small hand-bell which stood on the table , and the captain 's steward made his appearance . `` Patterson , '' said the doctor , `` this young gentleman complains that he is hungry .