noon
The patient passed a feverish night . Priest remained on watch in the tent , but on several occasions aroused the boys , as recourse to pouring water was necessary to relieve the pain . The limb had reached a swollen condition by morning , and considerable anxiety was felt over the uncertainty of a physician arriving . If summoned the previous evening , it was possible that one might arrive by noon , otherwise there was no hope before evening or during the night . `` Better post a guide on the trail , '' suggested Joel . `` If a doctor comes from the Republican , we can pilot him across the prairie and save an hour 's time . There 's a dim wagon trail runs from here to the first divide , north of the trail crossing on Beaver .