noon
and he led the way into the jungle , carrying his heavy pack as lightly as did Tom . Professor Bumper had a general idea in which direction lay a number of native villages , and it was determined to head for them , blazing a path through the wilderness , so that the Indians could follow it back to the goods left behind . It was with rather heavy hearts that the party set off , but Tom 's spirits could not long stay clouded , and the scientist was so good-natured about the affair and seemed so eager to do the utmost to render Beecher 's trick void , that the others fell into a lighter mood , and went on more cheerfully , though the way was rough and the packs heavy . They stopped at noon under a bower they made of palms , and , spreading the nets over them , got a little rest after a lunch . Then , when the sun was less hot , they started off again . `` Forward is the word ! '' cried Ned cheerfully .