noon
I raised my eyes gratefully as I swallowed a mouthful ; next moment my head sank heavily upon my arm , and I fell fast asleep . I slept long , for when I awoke the sun was a good way above the horizon . I did not move on first opening my eyes , as I felt a delightful sensation of rest pervading me , and my eyes were riveted on and charmed with the gorgeous splendour of the mighty ocean that burst upon my sight . It was a dead calm ; the sea seemed a sheet of undulating crystal , tipped and streaked with the saffron hues of sunrise , which had not yet merged into the glowing heat of noon ; and there was a deep calm in the blue dome above that was not broken even by the usual flutter of the sea-fowl . How long I would have lain in contemplation of this peaceful scene I know not , but my mind was recalled suddenly and painfully to the past and the present by the sight of Bill , who was seated on the deck at my feet , with his head reclining , as if in sleep , on his right arm , which rested on the tiller . As he seemed to rest peacefully , I did not mean to disturb him ; but the slight noise I made in raising myself on my elbow caused him to start and look round . `` Well , Ralph , awake at last , my boy ?