noon
The haunches were hung on a limb , to be carried along , as the next day 's hunt might not turn out so successful . There was still enough left to make a splendid supper for Marengo , and that hungry animal took full advantage of the occasion . He knew that in an excursion like the present it was not every day that a fat doe turned up ; or when it did , that such a portion of its carcass was likely to fall to his share . It was still early , wanting full two hours of sunset , when the hunters finished their supper -- dinner it should rather be called -- as , with the exception of some dry mouthfuls at their noon halt , they had not eaten since breakfast . When the meal was over , Basil again looked to repairing the harness of the mule -- that had got out of order on the march -- while Lucien drew out his note-book and pencil , and , sitting down upon a buffalo-robe , commenced entering his observations for the day . Francois having no employment , resolved upon creeping around the edge of the bayou , to have a shot at the flamingoes , if he should be lucky enough to get near them . This he knew would be no easy matter , but he had made up his mind to try it ; and , having told his brothers of his intention , he shouldered his gun and went off .