noon
Christmas day dawned under ideal conditions . Soft winds swayed the dead weeds and leafless shrubs , the water trickled down the creek from pool to pool , reminding one of a lazy , spring day , with droning bees and flights of birds afield . Sargent rode the morning patrol alone , meeting Joel at the halfway point , when the two dismounted , whiling away several hours in considering future plans of the ranch . It was high noon when the two returned to their respective quarters . Dell had volunteered to supervise the roasting of the venison , and on his crony 's return , the two sat down to their Christmas dinner . What the repast lacked in linen and garnishment , it made up in stability , graced by a cheerfulness and contentment which made its partakers at peace with the world . Sargent was almost as resourceful in travel and story as Quince Forrest , and never at a loss for the fitting incident to grace any occasion .