noon
The only clouds in the sky were little drifting bits of fine white wool , and the warm wind still blew . Old Jack , who was in reality Young Jack , as his years were not yet four , did not think so much of the covert now , as he had already eaten away all the grass within the little opening but his sense of duty was strong . He saw that his human master and comrade still slept , apparently with no intention of awakening at any very early date , and he set himself to gleaning stray blades of grass that might have escaped his notice the night before . Ned awoke a little after the noon hour , and sprang to his feet in dismay . The sun was almost directly over his head , showing him how late it was . He looked at his horse as if to reproach his good comrade for not waking him sooner , but Old Jack 's large mild eyes gave him such a gaze of benignant unconcern that the boy was ashamed of himself . `` It certainly was not your fault , '' he said to his horse , `` and , after all , it probably does n't matter .