nearly noon
Nobody paid any attention to the mate . He looked toward the ship once or twice , thought better of it , and began to pick up his effects , muttering savagely . In a moment or so he threw his chest aboard an outgoing truck and departed . It was now nearly noon and I was just in the way of going for something to eat , when I caught sight of another dray laden with boxes and crated affairs which I recognised as scientific apparatus . It was followed in quick succession by three others . Ignorant as I was of the requirements of a scientist , my common sense told me this could be no exploring outfit . I revised my first intention of going to the club , and bought a sandwich or two at the corner coffee house .