noon
It is not often the case that the two growths are found together , and it would have been impossible to get the wagons through the mass . This forest was in reality the great barrier , which kept the Illyas in such a protected position against the inroads of the other tribes , even though they should have combined , and they counted on this bulwark to protect them in the present case . It took the pursuing force over three hours to push its way through , and they had the satisfaction of seeing the main body of the Illyas beyond , and brought together in a compact organization . As soon as the opening was reached , they halted for the noon meal , and instructions were given to follow up as hurriedly as possible . `` We should move our force to the south , and attack them from that side , '' said John , `` for the reason that their only hope of reinforcements is from that quarter . '' The villages were lying along the base of the mountain range , the general altitude of the great plain being fully two hundred feet higher than the other level portions of the island . The mountains to the east , while not high as mountains go , were by far the greatest of any on the island , and John was anxious to know their character , for reasons heretofore explained .