noon
It was different with Paul . Pretty much all the responsibility weighed upon his young shoulders , since Mr. Gordon trusted to him to carry the troop to the place selected for the camp , wherever that might be . He had scores of things to think of , and must always be on the alert to keep his finger on the pulse of the entire score of lads . When they made their noon halt they had reached another spring known to Paul , though some little distance away from the road . Breaking ranks , they followed the directions of their leader and made for the water , each boy eager to get at the contents of his knapsack , wherein loving hands had so carefully stowed such dainties as the son of the house was known to favor . `` Do n't we have a fire , and some cooked grub , Paul ? '' demanded William , eagerly , as he hovered about the wagon , ready to pounce upon the kettles and pans that had been brought along to serve as cooking receptacles .