midday
This calm lasted four days and four nights ; during which , but a few cat 's - paws of wind varied the scene . They were faint as the breath of one dying . At times the heat was intense . The heavens , at midday , glowing like an ignited coal mine . Our skin curled up like lint ; our vision became dim ; the brain dizzy . To our consternation , the water in the breaker became lukewarm , brackish , and slightly putrescent ; notwithstanding we kept our spare clothing piled upon the breaker , to shield it from the sun . At last , Jarl enlarged the vent , carefully keeping it exposed .