noon
The change in her line of sailing drought the sail to leeward , a little forward of her beam ; but the movement of the vessel that made the freest wind was consequently the most rapid . In the course of half an hour the stranger was again a little abaft the beam , and he was materially nearer than when first seen . No change was made in the route of the stranger , who now seemed disposed to stand out to sea , with the wind as it was , on an easy bowline , without paying any attention to the sail in sight . It was noon ere the two schooners came within hail of each other . Of course , as they drew nearer and nearer , it was possible for those on board of each to note the appearance , equipments , and other peculiarities of his neighbour . In size , there was no apparent difference between the vessels , and there was a somewhat remarkable resemblance in the details . `` That fellow is no West India drogger , '' said Roswell Gardiner , when less than a mile from the stranger .