noon
The captain reached them before he had done more than stupidly gaze at her , and unceremoniously flinging him one side , said , `` Give her air , you brute ! It 's lucky for you if you have n't killed her ! '' He laid her back on the grass , flinging the snake far away , and the excited women gathered around . Just at this instant the launch sounded its summons for departure , and Captain Hosmer knew , if he would meet an important engagement at noon , he must not let her sail without him . Meanwhile , the drunken husband was bridling and threatening , claiming that the man had insulted him -- yes , `` actually had the audacity to lay hands on him , begad ! '' The captain did not notice him any more than if he had been a puppy snarling at his heels . `` We 'll have to go , '' he said to one of the women , who looked more sensible than the rest .