noon
The only question was as to how the damage could be repaired , and , after that was decided , to set about doing it at once . `` I will go on ahead for the oil , '' said Ralph , starting out at a run as he spoke , and in few moments he was lost to view , as he disappeared behind the trees , where the road made a decided curve . Bob and George walked , while the horses dragged the carriage with its one useless wheel , and in this fashion the boys , who a few moments before had believed that in two hours they would have overtaken the thieves and recovered the property , continued on their journey , as sad and dispirited as before they had been happy and confident . `` If this had n't happened , '' said Bob , bitterly , `` we should have caught the men before noon ; but now it is an open question as to whether they wo n't get away . '' `` It will be strange if they do n't escape , '' and George 's voice sounded no more cheerful than did Bob 's ; `` for even if they were not sure who their neighbors were last night , they must have been suspicious , and will do all they can to throw us off the scent . But there , '' he added , with a shrug of the shoulder indicative of resolution ; `` what 's the use of mourning over what ca n't be helped ? All we can say or do wo n't change matters , and we might as well look cheerful as cry . ''