about two o'clock in the afternoon
He knew they would be together for some weeks and it was well to understand the peculiarities of each one of the party at the earliest possible moment . Reaching town the party found that the entire equipment for the pack train had been gotten in readiness . There remained but to pack the mules and they would be ready for their start . This was done with a will , and about two o'clock in the afternoon the outfit set off over the stage road , headed for the Grand Canyon . It was a happy party , full of song and jest and joy for that which was before them . The way led through the Coconino Park . Some three miles out they halted at the edge of a dry lake basin , in the centre of which was a great gaping hole .