noon
`` We must not tire out our ponies , for we still have a long jaunt ahead of us , according to the guide . '' When they reached the camp , Stacy was still rubbing his head , much to the amusement of his companions . The noonday lunch was a light one ; while they were eating it the ponies were tethered out on the plain to browse on the fresh , green grass . Shortly after noon the party was on its way again , Lige being anxious to reach their destination before dark . Yet the trail was so rugged and precipitous that rapid progress was impossible . To add to this , late in the afternoon they overtook the pack train , which they found halted in the trail . One of the burros had gone lame , nor did Jose know what the trouble was .