noon
There was always some one rising to his feet and gazing outward , but only to return to his former position , with that disheartening look that proclaimed how vain his reconnoissance had been . Indeed , silence itself was a sufficient reply . No one would have discovered a sail , without making instant announcement of it . At noon we were all suffering from thirst ; they who had been regaling themselves with rum worse than any -- for this is the sure result . Water was served out from the cask -- in equal quantity to each . It was agreed that all should share alike , both of the water and the bread -- and of the former it was resolved that each should receive a pint a day . In any other situation the allowance might have been sufficient , and existence might be supported upon it ; but under that broiling sun , that seemed to dry up the very blood in our veins , our thirst became almost insupportable , and the pint of water could be gulped down without affording the slightest relief .