two o'clock
Bug tole me they did n't intend to go much further down the creek . You need n't be afraid to travel by night , 'cause there ai n't any bad water near here , an ' the first dam is twelve mile away . '' Ned was inclined to act promptly on Batters ' suggestions , and It goes without saying that the others were of the same mind -- especially Randy , who had conceived a mortal fear of Bug 's companion . It was between one and two o'clock when the boys began the work of breaking camp , and as Batters and Joe rendered useful assistance , the heavily laden canoes were in the water half an hour later . The start was made in darkness and silence . Ned thanked Batters for the important service he had rendered that night , and added a few words of comfort and sympathy . Hands were shaken all around , and hopes expressed of meeting again .