nearly
noon
They appealed to Juan for advice , but the lazy Mexican appeared to know even less than they . Tad , after studying the question a few moments , decided to give them water , though sparingly . This they appeared to relish and braced up quite a little . But the boy would not allow them to graze until nearly noon , when each one took his pony out , making sure that there was none of the sleepy grass around . The animals were then permitted to graze . About the middle of the afternoon Tad decided that all were fit to continue the journey , and that it would be safe to travel until sunset . Everyone was glad to get away from the spot where they had had such unpleasant experiences , and the boys set off , moving slowly , the stock not yet being in the best of condition .