noon
They made this frugal repast with delight , from the remembrances of the benevolent action they had performed in the morning : yet their joy was embittered by the thoughts of the uneasiness which their long absence from home would occasion their mothers . Virginia often recurred to this subject ; but Paul , who felt his strength renewed by their meal , assured her , that it would not be long before they reached home , and , by the assurance of their safety , tranquillized the minds of their parents . After dinner they were much embarrassed by the recollection that they had now no guide , and that they were ignorant of the way . Paul , whose spirit was not subdued by difficulties , said to Virginia , -- `` The sun shines full upon our huts at noon : we must pass , as we did this morning , over that mountain with its three points , which you see yonder . Come , let us be moving . '' This mountain was that of the Three Breasts , so called from the form of its three peaks . They then descended the steep bank of the Black River , on the northern side ; and arrived , after an hour 's walk , on the banks of a large river , which stopped their further progress .