nearly noon
Far as the eye could reach it was a level plain , without landmarks , trackless as the sea , covered with a living carpet of emerald green . At another time I could have spent hours in gazing upon its vast expanse , and fancying its changed appearance when its surface should be furrowed by the plow and its fruitful soil reward the farmer 's labor ; but the presentiment of evil which I found it impossible to shake off , oppressed my spirits rendering me anxious and fearful . A few moments took us out of sight of the cottonwood grove , and but for the aid of father 's pocket compass we could have had little idea of our direction , but by its assistance we traveled steadily in a southwesterly coarse , father being confident that we had strayed north of the trail and that by taking this course we must sooner or later regain it . Until nearly noon we kept steadily on , seeing nothing to indicate that we were near the trail . Just before noon we halted to rest and feed the animals and prepare a meal for ourselves . The morning had been sultry and we were all sufficiently fatigued to find a brief rest very acceptable . Refreshed by half an hour 's rest , we were preparing to start , when my brother who had moved off in advance , suddenly exclaimed , `` father 's right after all , there are mounted men ahead , it must be the train ! ''