noon on Saturday
`` I am glad to learn that you have been up the Congo , '' replied Randolph Rover . `` Perhaps during your leisure hours on the trip you will not mind giving me such information as conics to your mind . '' `` I will tell you all I know willingly , '' answered Captain Cambion . Exactly at noon on Saturday the Republique was ready to sail , and with a shout from those on the wharf who had come to see the few passengers off , she sheered away and started down the bay , past Bedloe Island and the Statue of Liberty . Before night the shore line had faded from view , and they were standing out boldly into the Atlantic Ocean . `` Off for Africa at last , '' murmured Sam , who had been standing at the rail watching the last speck of land as it disappeared . `` What a big trip this is going to be ! ''