noon
It was arranged that no one should come for Dick , but that he should be back as soon after dusk set in as possible . In order to be sure of Dick 's safety , it was agreed that if he were not back by eight o'clock the others should come and see what was up , or if anything was the trouble . Dick turned up at the lean-to just as dark set in , and reported that there was nothing stirring . The boys were almost of the opinion that the whole business was a wild goose chase , but Phil was determined to take a hand at watching , and it was agreed that he should stand the morning watch , and be joined at noon by the others , who would finish the day together . In case nothing developed they would put an end to the watching and start for Umculos Lake the following morning . Phil started for his post the next morning . As he went , he said : `` I 've a hunch something breaks this morning , hope my hunch comes true . ''