two o'clock
Progress was sometimes very tedious , because the wind persisted in meeting them head on , and it is not the easiest task in the world to force an iceboat against a negative breeze . Tacking had to be resorted to many times , and each mile they gained was well won . The boys enjoyed the exhilarating exercise , however , and while there were a few minor accidents nothing serious interfered with their progress . It was two o'clock when they sighted Lake Tokala ahead of them . Shouts of joy from those in advance told the glad story to the toilers in the rear . This quickened their pulses , and made them all feel that the worst was now over . When the broad reaches of the lake had been gained they were able to make speed once more .