midday
Then the gale blew up suddenly . I could have stemmed the tide , as often before ; but wind and tide both were my masters then . `` That was three days and two nights ago . Never thought I to see another sunset , for by midday of that first day I broke an oar , and knew that home I could never win ; so I made shift with the floor boards , as you saw , for want of canvas . After that there is little to tell , for it was ever wave after wave , and gray flying clouds ever over me , and at night no rest , but watching white wave crests coming after me through the dark . '' `` Some of us thought that you were a Finn , at least , '' said my father as the Dane paused . `` Not once or twice only on this voyage have I wished myself a Finn , or at least that I had a Finn 's powers , '' said Lodbrok , laughing ; `` but there has been no magic about this business save watchfulness , and my sons ' good handicraft . ''