noon
But , although he cursed the little burro roundly , Peter again was reluctant to move westward , and Roger had again to take hold of the lead rope . All day long , he continued the march westward . This range was like the Coyote Range , though there were more passes through the ridges , so that had he been able to find a trail , he could have moved rapidly . But the way underfoot was inconceivably rough and by noon Roger 's shoes were cut and his feet bruised and bleeding . But he never for a moment considered turning back . He was through -- through with the old work which had brought him only disappointment , through with the old affections which had only played him false . Even Peter who had come with him voluntarily was now trying to turn back .