noon
The `` Pilgrim , '' without sails , was not in a condition to head toward it , but it could not fail to make the land there . That could be only a question of a few hours . Now , it was eight o'clock in the morning . Then , very certainly , before noon the `` Pilgrim '' would be near the land . At a sign from Dick Sand , Hercules led Mrs. Weldon aft again , for she could not bear up against the violence of the pitching . The novice remained forward for another instant , then he returned to the helm , near old Tom . At last , then , he saw that coast , so slowly made , so ardently desired !