noon
What would have been our situation if it had not pleased Heaven to refresh us ? The consequence of their thirst being appeased made the demand for food imperative , and a raw potato was given to each man . The day passed , and so did a third , and fourth , and our hopes began to fail us , when at daylight the next morning I spied a sail to the westward . The breeze was light but the vessel was evidently coming down towards us , and before noon we made it out to be the cutter . We then sat on the bulwarks , and held out a white shirt , as a signal to attract their attention . When about three miles from us , the cutter rounded to , not appearing to notice us , and for two hours we were left in this state of maddening anxiety and suspense , when at last we perceived her bows pay off , and she again stood towards us . They had at last seen us , and as soon as they had run down to within three cables ' length , the boat was lowered and sent to take us off .