about noon
This little occurrence changed , or at least checked , the feelings of the disaffected . Hope once more resumed its sway , and all who could , ascended the rigging to watch the western horizon . The rapid motion of the vessels , too , added to this buoyancy of feeling , the Pinta and Niña passing and repassing the admiral , as it might be in pure wantonness . A few hours later , fresh weeds were met , and about noon Sancho announced confidently that he had seen a fish which is known to live in the vicinity of rocks . An hour later , the Niña came sheering up toward the admiral , with her commander in the rigging , evidently desirous of communicating some tidings of moment . `` What now , good Vicente Yañez ? '' called out Columbus ; `` thou seemest the messenger of welcome news ! ''