noon
`` I was only tellin ' the truth , an ' jest what all of us think . When the breeze freshened I made up my mind that the voyage was about ended ; but here we are yet , an ' here we 're likely to be a spell longer unless we strike another norther . '' While the man was speaking he had passed aft two cans of preserved meat , some hard bread , and a small jar of pickles , after opening the tins with his sheath knife , and every one on board made a hearty meal , the boys in particular feeling decidedly cheerful when the repast had been eaten . `` The wind is fallin ' off a bit , an ' I reckon it 'll come dead calm by noon , '' Jake said , after refusing to allow one of the seamen to relieve him . `` We 'll all soon have a chance to bottle up sleep . '' `` How long do you think it ought to be before we sight the land ? '' Neal asked .