noon
`` Then perhaps we 'll have some sunshine for a change . '' `` It 's all right , if only it does n't start to blow , '' answered Tom . `` But you must remember that they have some pretty fierce storms down here . '' The rain continued to come down as hard as ever and kept up until near noon . In the meantime , however , Sam and Tom got up enough steam to run the yacht at a low rate of speed . `` We can try her that way first , '' said Tom . `` Then , if it 's O. K. , we 'll give her a hundred pounds or so . ''