noon
At last Andrew answered my question by saying , `` The first thing we must do , shipmates , is to climb up to the top of the berg , and spread out our red handkerchiefs ; so as to show a broad face to those on board yonder vessel . As soon as the sun is high enough , we 'll try and light a fire , and the smoke may be seen by them ; but if not , then we must trust ourselves to the raft , and try to paddle up to her . Perhaps we may reach her before a breeze springs up ; but perhaps not . Yet I do n't think it will get up till noon . '' `` But why not get on the raft at once ? '' I urged ; for I had more confidence in it than he had . `` Because if we do , we may not be able to return to the iceberg , which we should wish to do if we miss the ship , '' he answered .