midday
`` They do n't want to make an attack until they are strong enough to overcome General Cos 's force . He may have considerable reinforcements by this time . '' So the boys talked and rode until noon was passed . Both were now hungry , and coming to a pool in the prairie surrounded by mesquite-trees and bushes , they drew rein and tethered their ponies , and sat down to enjoy the midday meal they had brought along . Pompey had packed for them a tempting hamper , and the boys remained over the repast rather longer than anticipated . The sun shone bright , and as there was no wind , the day was pleasant , even though late in the season . `` I suppose some day all this territory will be built up with towns and villages , '' remarked Dan , as he dug his knife-blade into the earth in a meditative way .