Noon
They were not doing so just now , although another change of course and a strong puff of the gale carried the _ Goshhawk _ further out of range . The fact was that her pursuer did not feel quite ready to land shot on board of her , believing that he was doing well enough and that his prize would surely be taken sooner or later . Besides , if she were , indeed , to become a prize , no sound-minded sea-captain could be willing to shoot away her selling value or that of her cargo . Noon came , and there did not appear to be any important change in the relative positions of the two ships . At times , indeed , the _ Goshhawk _ had gained a quarter-mile or so , but only to lose it again , as is apt to be the case in ocean races . She was not at all tired , however , and both of the contestants had all the wind they needed . Two hours more went slowly by , and Captain Kemp began to exhibit signs of uneasiness at the unexpected persistence with which he was followed .