about
noon
thought Mark , and there was the sensation as of a great sob of joy struggling from his throat . That was all ; but the incident meant so much . There was a friend who was free , watching over the blacks ' prisoners , and the next minute a feeling of confidence pervaded the boy 's breast , for he was now sure that the inseparable Mak would be near at hand . Morning again , after a long sleep , and the rest and the feeling of confidence that had come like an inspiration enabled Mark to partake of some of the rough food brought to them by the blacks ; and when in obedience to the latter Mark and his companions arose , he was better able to resume the march , which lasted till towards evening , while about noon they passed between the two kopjes , where they were allowed an hour 's rest , and as the afternoon grew older , familiar objects made the boys ' hearts bound and sink again with despair . For they were convinced now that before night they would reach the ruins , where the blacks who had made the first attack would be doubtless awaiting the portion of their tribe who had been so successful in their raid after the escaped party . There was no doubt about it now , and as the boys walked together their countenances showed the emotions that swelled their breasts . At one time their hearts seemed to sink lower with despair , and when this was at its worst , hope would come again as they marked portions of the ruins which they had visited ; clumps of trees that had afforded them shade ; plains that had never failed to furnish them with bucks when out with the rifle .