noon
Overnight they had talked of an expensive camera , but when they found that young Zept was provided with a machine with a fine lens , they put aside this expenditure , and the most expensive item of their purchases was a couple of revolvers -- automatics . Norman already owned a .303 gauge big game rifle , but it was heavy and ammunition for it added greatly to the weight to be carried in the airship . With the complete approval of Colonel Howell , he bought a new .22 long improved rifle , which he figured was all they needed in addition to their revolvers . `` It 's a great mistake , '' explained Colonel Howell , who had met the two boys at the outfitting store just before noon , `` for travelers to carry these big game high-powered rifles . The gun is always knocked down , is never handy when you want it , and the slightest neglect puts it out of commission . You take this little high-powered in your pocket , and you 'll get small game and birds while you 're tryin ' to remember where the big gun is . '' `` That 's right , '' answered Roy .