noon
During the conversation several sea-maids came swimming into the room bearing trays of sea apples and other fruit , which they first offered to the queen , and then passed the refreshments around to the company assembled . Trot and Cap'n Bill each took some , and the little girl found the fruits delicious to eat , as they had a richer flavor than any that grew upon land . Queen Aquareine was much pleased when the old sailor asked for more , but Merla warned him dinner would soon be served and he must take care not to spoil his appetite for that meal . `` Our dinner is at noon , for we have to cook in the middle of the day when the sun is shining , '' she said . `` Cook ! '' cried Trot . `` Why , you ca n't build a fire in the water , can you ? ''