noon
We will have them for dinner , '' said Sir James merrily . `` If we shoot them , '' said the doctor . `` Here , Dan , give me another mug of coffee , and then look thoroughly well after yourself . '' Only about an hour was spent before a fresh start was made , and then the journey was resumed in the most orderly way and kept on till noon , when water was reached at a curve of the little river along which the track led through a dense grove of umbrageous trees . Here there was ample pasture for the cattle , which fed and rested in the shade for a good three hours in the hottest part of the day , while an abundant meal was prepared , after which a deliberate start was made by the well refreshed party . Then followed a long , slow bullock march till quite early evening , and again the black led them to a beautiful woodland patch at a place where the river whose banks they were following showed a good shallow crossing , another display of traces proving that it was a customary halting-place on the way to some kraal . Here the great creaking waggons were drawn up , a fire was made and the men busied themselves looking after the cattle and the ponies , a capital meal was prepared , but without any addition being made by rifle or gun ; and just at dark , by the light of the twinkling lanterns , preparations began for passing the night .