noon
`` There are the stars , '' replied the doctor , pointing up to the clear sky . `` I know exactly what to do . We must keep on now we have started , and bear it like men . '' No one spoke , but `` buckled to , '' as Griggs called it , and to relieve the horses the party tramped by their side for the greater part of the night , during the early hours of which Chris grew more and more sleepy ; but as they approached `` night 's dull noon , '' he grew more wakeful and relieved the tedium by talking to first one and then the other cheerfully enough , and never at a loss for something to say . `` It might be worse , Ned , '' he said once during the night . `` Could n't be , '' was the surly reply . `` Oh , could n't it !