noon
`` Captain Twopenny will , I am sure , agree with me in the importance of following his advice . '' The captain , however , had no little difficulty in tranquillising the invalid lady . She had been accustomed all her life to be petted , and to have what she asked for , and was little prepared to endure the trials she would now be called upon to go through . `` It must be near noon , '' said Willy , remembering that an observation had to be taken . Harry pulled out his watch -- there was but little time to lose . The quadrant was got ready . Harry felt somewhat weak , as he stood up with it at his eye , while Willy , with note-book in hand , marked down the degrees as he read them off .