noon
`` Ready , '' Gerard assented . The rain had ceased ; the vigorous broom of the north wind was sweeping the broken storm-clouds across a gray sky . The drive to the yacht club was accomplished pleasantly and quickly . `` I told Rupert to meet us here at noon , '' Corrie observed , when they stopped at the pier . `` And I had lunch for three sent over , this morning . What a deserted old hole the club is in October ! Hello , what -- '' From beneath the tarpaulin cover of a long , polished motor boat moored in the wall-locked artificial harbor , a frowsy head had projected , to be instantly withdrawn into shelter at sight of the two young men .