noon
But the journey northward did not last long . Soon the train branched to the westward and plunged into the hills and rolling lands of the Mohawk Valley . City after city were left behind with a whir and a rush that almost took Randy 's breath from him . At noon a stop was made for lunch , then on they went again . Supper was served in a dining-car , and both boys voted it about the best meal they had ever tasted . After the lamps were lit it was not long before the passengers began to think of going to bed . Both Randy and Earl watched the porter closely as he drew out the beds from the narrow closets in the sloping roof of the car , set up the little wooden partitions , and otherwise arranged the sleeping-apartments .