noon
Each found his own platter , knife , and cup ; and , helping himself from the general stock , set to eating on his own account . Of course there were no fragments , as a strict regard to economy was one of the laws of our camp . Notwithstanding the fatigue , always incidental to a first day 's march , we enjoyed this _ al fresco _ supper exceedingly . The novelty had much to do with our enjoyment of it , and also the fine appetites which we had acquired since our luncheon at noon halt . When supper was over , smoking followed , for there was not one of the party who was not an inveterate burner of the `` noxious weed . '' Some chose cigars , of which we had brought a good stock , but several were pipe-smokers . The zoologist carried a meerschaum ; the guides smoked out of Indian calumets of the celebrated steatite , or red claystone .