about noon
Understanding , understanding everything , he nickered softly and pressed close , mindful of yet another thing -- something that had helped to make his life on the little ranch so pleasant and unforgettable . What he was mindful of , and what he now sought , was sugar and quartered apples . The third group in the affray consisted of cowboys . Weary and bedraggled , yet joyous at the suppression of the uprising , they set out for home about noon . Stephen , mounted upon Pat , accompanied them . They headed into the northwest , riding slowly , talking over the affair , while Stephen explained in part his interest in the black horse . Night found them near a water-hole , and here they went into camp , Stephen weak and distressed , his whole body aching , his arm and shoulder throbbing in agonizing pain .