noon
Knowing nothing of this shorter route he naturally concluded that Helen Yardely 's canoe had come down the main stream , and took the wrong course in the perfect assurance that it was the right one . So hugging the left bank they passed the junction of the rivers , and a little further on crossed to the other side to seek shelter from a rising wind , under the high bank . And less than an hour later the canoe , carrying Gerald Ainley and his Indian , swept out of the tributary stream into the broader current , and they drove downstream , unconscious that every stroke of the paddle was taking them further from the girl whom they sought . It was high noon when Hubert Stane directed the nose of the canoe towards a landing-place in the lee of a sand-bar , on the upperside of which was a pile of dry driftwood suitable for firing . `` We will take an hour 's rest , Miss Yardely ; and possibly whilst we are waiting your friends may show up . '' He lit a fire , prepared a wilderness meal of bacon and beans -LRB- the latter already half-cooked -RRB- and biscuit and coffee , and as they consumed it , he watched the river , a long stretch of which was visible . `` I thought we should have encountered your friends before now , Miss Yardely , '' he remarked thoughtfully .