noon before
Now you lie down and get a nap , lads , and do n't worry , Chris and I will look out for everything . '' Charley laid back and closed his eyes , obediently , while Chris and the captain passed out of the hut to attend to the tasks set them . The two boys were soon fast asleep . It was noon before Walter awoke , sat up , and looked around him . He noted that the workers had already completed their tasks ; long strings of smoked venison strips were hung down from the roof , gourds and copper kettle were brimming full of sweet , clean water , and all of the guns had been freshly cleaned and oiled . Treading softly so as not to awaken his chum , Walter passed out of the hut . The captain and Chris were busily engaged in trying to dispatch a pot of venison stewed with yams , and Walter lost no time in joining them .