ten o'clock
The trail is so plainly marked that he ca n't miss it . '' The boys were now all anxiety to start , while the ponies , after their Sunday rest , were almost as full of life as were their owners . The little animals were becoming more sure-footed every day , and Ned said that , before the trip was finished , `` Jimmie '' would be able to walk a slack rope . An early start was made , so that the party reached the promised table lands shortly before ten o'clock in the forenoon . A temporary camp was quickly pitched . At their urgent request , Professor Zepplin told the boys to go ahead and enjoy themselves . `` But be careful that you do n't break your necks , '' he added , with a laugh .