About four o'clock
About one o'clock a halt was made for lunch , and as the air was disagreeably damp and cutting , Ned boiled a pot of coffee . The cruise was resumed an hour later , and during the afternoon a close watch was kept for suitable camping places . The indications all presaged bad weather , and there was no doubt that rain would set in by morning -- if not sooner . About four o'clock a camping ground was discovered that met with general approval -- a sheltered spot amid great pine trees on the right bank . In the rear was a steep hill , and a limestone spring was conveniently close . The boys spent just one solid hour in arranging things to their satisfaction , for their stay was likely to be a protracted one , and they wanted everything snug and comfortable before the rain came . The tent was staked with more than ordinary care , and then a ditch was dug around all four sides and the dirt thrown on the edges of the canvas .