three o'clock in the afternoon
Bad-eye , was considered an appropriate name for Ned Rector 's broncho , while Walter drew a dapple gray which he decided to call Buster . After choosing a well broken animal for the Professor , and picking out a suitable pack horse , the boys announced that they were ready for the start . An hour or so was spent in getting provisions enough to last them for a few days , all of which , together with their camp equipment , was strapped to the backs of the ponies . It was now three o'clock in the afternoon . Ahead of them was a thirty mile journey over an unknown trail . `` I think we had better have a guide to take us out to the foothills until we shall have found our permanent guide , '' said the Professor . `` No , please do n't , '' urged Tad .