about noon
It was thirty-six hours since they had satisfied their hunger , and during the greater portion of this time a large amount of labor had been performed . `` I believe I could eat an iguana , and that 's the most disagreeable looking reptile I 've ever seen , '' Teddy whispered to Neal , and the latter replied gravely : `` It does n't seem right to complain about being hungry after escaping from such a terrible situation ; but at the same time I 'm willing to confess that almost anything would taste mighty good just now . '' The travelers were nearing the summit of the mountain where not so much as a blade of grass could be seen , and there was nothing for it but to endure hunger , as they were forced to , the heat , which , as the day advanced , seemed almost insupportable . It was about noon when the little party stood on the highest point of land , and , looking over a long stretch of valley and plain covered with verdure of the deepest green , saw the blue waters of the Caribbean sea , the crests of the waves sparkling in the sunlight like jewels set in sapphire-colored enamel . Never had the ocean seemed so beautiful and friendly as now , after the long , dangerous tramp , and the boys forgot all privations and discomforts as they gazed at the broad expanse of water . `` If the Sea Dream was afloat and anchored off there how quickly we could get home , '' Teddy cried . `` Even allowing that nothing happens to prevent our traveling ten hours a day , it will be a week before you can stand on the shore of the sea , '' Cummings replied , glancing backward as if regretting that he was about to descend the range which would separate him from the wonders and wealth of the Silver City .