noon
The appearance of the sea from the brig 's deck was now extremely wintry , but very bright and cheerful . Not a spot of blue water was to be seen in any direction . The whole ocean appeared as if it had been frozen over . It was now past noon , and the sun 's rays were warm , although the quantity of ice around rendered the air cold . As the men were returning from fixing the anchors , the captain looked over the side , and said : `` It 's not likely that we shall move out of this for some hours . What say you , lads , to a game of football ? '' The proposal was received with a loud cheer .