midday
`` But we will not part company save for urgent need ; yet 't is well always to be prepared . '' Travelling was becoming increasingly difficult and trying as they mounted into higher regions , and the roads became mere bridle paths , often encumbered with snow drifts , and difficult to traverse . Fortunately it was fine overhead , and the season was a favourable one . The sun had already attained some height in the sky , and could shine with power at midday , for February was well advanced by this time . But the cold at nights was intense , and the state of the roads often made travelling difficult for the horses . The mountain torrents were swelled to brawling rivers , and the ordinary bridges broken down , so that the travellers had much ado to get across them . It seemed a savage country to Tom , although the excitement and peril made travelling a delight .