midday
He defended himself and tried to land again , but in vain . A court martial was held ; they resolved to continue their journey , but detained the upholsterer as a hostage . The steamer went on through the canal , but as it was passing through a lock , the man-swung himself up on the dam and disappeared amid a hail of curses . The journey was continued and by midday they were in the Gotha canal . Dinner was laid on the poop . John and his companions ensconced themselves in the lifeboat which hung there and ate a simple meal out of the sculptor 's box . The sculptor , who had slept on a bale do mu in the luggage-hold , was in a good humour and knew all the passengers ' characters and names .