noon
`` I do n't believe they came up here , '' said Dick after half the distance to the pond had been covered , `` I do n't see the least trace of any human being , although I 've seen the footprints of several wild animals . '' `` The wind might have covered the tracks during the night , '' was John Barrow 's hopeful response . `` I 'd rather lose the treasure , even if it is worth thousands , than have anything happen to Sam and Tom . '' Just before noon they came to a point in the river where it divided into several branches . `` We 'll stop here and put up another sign pole , '' said the guide . `` Remember what I said ? All these streams run into the pond and into Perch River .