noon
`` If we had been tryin ' to hit something else now , there would have been nothing strange about it ! But to hit what we all aimed at -- '' Apparently the captain failed to find words adequately to express his ideas , for he did not finish the sentence ; meanwhile Paul picked up the rabbit and attached it to his belt . After this , advancing through the woods in a north-westerly direction , they made for a somewhat elevated ridge , hoping to obtain from that point a more extended view of the land . Towards noon , feeling hungry , they began to look out for a suitable spot whereon to lunch , or rather to dine ; for while travelling on foot in wild countries men usually find it convenient to take a very substantial meal about , or soon after , noon . `` To have water handy , '' remarked Paul , as they stopped to look round , `` is essential to comfort as well as cookery . '' `` Look there , away to the nor ' - west o ' that bunch o ' trees , '' said the captain , pointing to a distant spot , `` there 's a depression in the ground there ; and from the lie o ' the land all round I should say we shall find a stream o ' some sort near it . '' `` I hope so , '' said Oliver ; `` for I shall want water to wash the rabbit with , and I have a strong hope that we may find fish in the rivers of this land , and although my hooks are big , I think the fish may not be particular , seein ' that they have never before been tempted in that way . ''