noon
`` The boat is really easiest and best for us . '' He did not say so , but he thought that if they had to spend another night in the open the boat would be absolutely necessary . So they remained aboard . At noon they tied up , and went ashore to eat the last of the food . Only a little coffee remained , and as the final meagre crumbs were disposed of each one feared to look the others in the face . What would be next -- where would the next meal come from ? No one could answer .