noon
The energy of Berselius drove it forward as the energy of steam drives an engine . His voice , his very presence , put life into flagging legs and sight into dazzled eyes . He spared neither himself nor others ; the game was ahead , the spoor was hot , and the panther in his soul drove him forward . Toward noon they halted for two hours where some bushes spread their shade . The porters lay down on their bellies , with arms outspread , having taken a draught of water and a bite of food ; they lay in absolute and profound slumber . Adams , nearly as exhausted , lay on his back . Even Félix showed signs of the journey , but Berselius sat right back into the bushes , with his knees drawn up and , with eyes fixed on the eastern distance , brooded .