noon
shouted the cowboy , swinging his sombrero , and off he galloped . The boys said farewell , the girls waved their handkerchiefs , one of the hands fired off his pistol , and away the lads went after Todd ; and the grand hunt was begun . It was still early and delightfully cool , with a faint breeze blowing from the distant mountains , for which they were headed . Todd had already told them that they were to keep on steadily until exactly noon , crossing the river , and following a brook that came from the upper hills . `` I know a fine spot to stop for dinner , '' he said . `` And we can make it if you 'll keep up with me . '' He always took his dinner at noon , having no use for `` lunch '' at any time .