noon
Well , it was a busy day for the scouts of Stanhope Troop . There was the greatest running back and forth , and consultations among the lads , ever known . Where a parent seemed doubtful about giving permission for a boy to take part in the intended cruise , influence was brought to bear on coaxing neighbors to drop in , and tell how glad they were their boys were independent , as it was the finest thing that could ever come to them ; and also what slight chances there seemed to be of any accident happening that might not occur when the lads stayed at home , where they would go in swimming anyhow . And owing to the masterly way in which the objections of certain parents were met and overcome , long before noon every boy who had a ghost of a chance of sailing on the two motor-boats reported that he had gained consent ; even Curly Baxter admitted that his folks had been won over , and that he `` could go along , if so he he chose to shut his eyes to facts , and just trust to luck , '' which , be it said , he finally did , just as Paul had believed would be the case . Meanwhile Paul and Jack were making their purchases of provisions , using a list that had been found useful on their other camping trip ; although several little inaccuracies were corrected . For instance , they had taken too much rice on that other occasion ; and not enough ham , and salt pork , and breakfast bacon . Eggs they hoped to buy from some farmer over on the mainland ; and possibly milk as well .