midday
As the trail became more pronounced , greater precautions were taken against a surprise . And a surprise in the rocky defiles through which they were passing would have been well nigh fatal . So scouts were constantly in the lead , ready at the first suspicious sign to send back word to the main body to be on the alert . The morning passed without incident , save for one or two false alarms , and there was a sigh of relief when the midday meal was served without interruption in the shape of hostile bullets . Then , after a brief rest for the horses , the march was again taken up . `` I wonder when we 'll find them ? '' asked Nort .