noon
I went down to see her as soon as we arrived . He has engaged a steward , waiters , and others , and I think we shall be ready to sail as soon as you are , '' continued the colonel . `` We are off early to-morrow morning , '' I added . `` Captain Blastblow told me at noon he should be ready to sail to-night . I expect a letter to-day from New York , and that will enable me to decide where we go . '' I soon took my leave , for I had to engage a steward before night . I was amazed at the decision of Colonel Shepard , and I could not help thinking he had some motive for his course which did not appear on the surface .