midday
The captain returned and left again . A man with papers in his hand appeared , and a woman with what looked like a telegram . The mate went ashore in his best clothes . Then at last , after midday , Gresson appeared . He joined the captain at the piermaster 's office , and presently emerged on the other side of the jetty where some small boats were beached . A man from the _ Tobermory _ came in answer to his call , a boat was launched , and began to make its way into the channel . Gresson sat in the stern , placidly eating his luncheon .