three o'clock in the
afternoon
`` He has seen no signs of them , so we can light a fire and get something to eat . I am beginning to feel I want something badly . '' Thus reminded , Tom felt at once that he was desperately hungry . They had before starting taken a few mouthfuls of meat that had been cooked the day before and purposely left over , but it was now three o'clock in the afternoon , and he felt ravenous . The Indians quickly collected dried wood , and four of the fish were soon frizzling on hot ashes , while the kettle , hung in the flame , was beginning to sing . `` We have done nigh forty miles , Tom , and the horses must have a couple of hours ' rest . We will push on as fast as we can before dark , and then wait until the moon rises ; it will be up by ten .