noon
`` Nothing was further from my thoughts , '' said Charlie , with a flush of indignation . `` I believe you , Mr Brooke , '' rejoined the Captain with gravity . `` Let me know any time before twelve to-day what course you deem it right to take . By noon I shall sound boot and saddle , when you will be ready to start . Your nautical friend here may join us if he chooses . '' Now , while this investigation into the affairs of one prisoner was going on , the other prisoner , Jake , was busily employed investigating his own affairs with a view to escape . How he fared in this investigation we reserve for another chapter .