noon
Forgive me . '' As the captain spoke , a tremendous outburst on Krakatoa turned their minds to other subjects . They were by that time drawing near to the island , and the thunders of the eruption seemed to shake not only the heavens but even the great ocean itself . Though the hour was not much past noon the darkness soon became so dense that it was difficult to perceive objects a few yards distant , and , as pieces of stone the size of walnuts , or even larger , began to fall on the deck , the captain sent Kathleen below . `` There 's no saying where or when a big stone may fall , my girl , '' he said , `` and it 's not the habit of Englishmen to let women come under fire , so you 'll be safer below . Besides , you 'll be able to see something of what 's goin ' on out o ' the cabin windows . '' With the obedience that was natural to her , Kathleen went down at once , and the captain made everything as snug as possible , battening down the hatches and shortening sail so as to be ready for whatever might befall .