three o'clock
cried Eleanor , stamping her foot angrily . So , after much arguing and explaining , it was decided that every one should be ready to start down-trail at the earliest streak of daylight . That night the girls and Mrs. Brewster slept on the pine-beds -- or at least the city girls slept , while Polly and her mother rested even as they waited for the first warning call from the guard , who sat by the fire that was started to keep away the wild beasts . The hours passed without any new signals , and at three o'clock Mike called out that he was ready to start . The girls demurred about getting up at that hour , but Polly was too energetic to give them any peace . So , shortly after three , the entire party started down Indian Trail , traveling as swiftly as possible . `` Now see here !