noon before
The wagons were first loaded with the things contained in the shop , the laboratory and the home . Numerous packages were made up in form for the warriors to handle conveniently . Nothing was permitted to remain , as it was felt that the things they had made were too valuable to leave behind . It was past noon before the last articles were secured in bundles . `` You should explain to them , Uraso , '' said John , `` that we shall have to give them pretty heavy loads for the first part of the journey , as the different things can be distributed to the others when we reach them . '' `` It will not be necessary to do this , '' he answered ; `` they are only too glad to carry the heaviest loads . '' And he refused to apologize to the warriors .