noon
Everybody in that region was also genuinely hospitable , and it was barely dusk when Ned rode in at the gate of a substantial farmhouse , to be welcomed with the utmost cordiality . Men , women , and children crowded eagerly around him , to hear all he could tell them of the great battle and victory of Angostura , and of the current doings in the capital city . A warm bed was given him , and after a long sleep he awoke somewhat better fitted for whatever else might be before him . Once more he pushed on , but before noon of that day all signs of winter were far behind him . He had passed through more than one considerable village , but so had other travellers , coming or going , who bore about them no appearance of being worth the attention of the military authorities . Another and another night in wayside farmhouses compelled him to admire more than ever the simple ways and the sincere patriotism of the Mexican farmers . All the while , however , his anxieties concerning the result of his perilous errand were growing upon him , and he was obediently using up his army pony .