noon
They explored the woodchuck hole , failing to drown out that cunning subterranean architect who apparently had provided lines of retreat for just such emergencies as confronted him now . Wearied of the woodchuck , they ranged the bush seeking and finding the nests of bluejays and of woodpeckers , and in a gravel pit those of the sand martens . Joe led them to the haunts of the woodcock , but that shy bird they failed to glimpse . Long before the noon hour they felt the need of sustenance and found that Larry 's lunch divided among the four went but a small way in satisfying their pangs of hunger . The other three , carefree and unconcerned for what the future might hold , roamed the woods during the afternoon , but to Larry what in other circumstances would have been a day of unalloyed joy , brought him only a present misery and a dread for the future . The question of school for the afternoon was only mentioned to be dismissed . They were too dirty and muddy to venture into the presence of the master .