four o'clock
`` Paul , how do we hold out for the third day on the hike ? '' `` Yes , and Paul , please let us know just how much further you expect to coax the leg weary bunch on today ? Not to say that I 'm tired ; but then I know Noodles , and another scout not far away right now , are grunting like fun every little rise in the road we come to , '' and Seth gave his head a flirt in the quarter where Eben was anxiously gripping his bugle , as if in momentary expectation of getting a signal from the patrol leader to blow the call that would signify a halt . `` It 's only four o'clock , fellows , '' began the acting scoutmaster . Dismal groans sounded ; but with a smile Paul went on to add : `` We 've already made our twenty-five miles since sun-up , just this side of Warwick ; but it 's a fine day , and I did hope we might hang on a little while further , so as to cut down our last day 's hike a few miles . It 's always the hardest part of the whole thing , the finishing spurt . But of course , if any of you feel played out we can call it off right now . ''