about noon
He searched the sky for a wisp of smoke that might tell of a human habitation , below , but saw none . Yet people might live beyond the strip of forest , where the land would be less sandy and more fertile , and , after a brief rest , he pushed on with the same vigor of the body and elation of the spirit , coming soon to firmer ground , of which he was glad , as he now left no trail , at least none that an ordinary white man could follow . He trudged bravely on for hours through a wilderness that seemed to be complete so far as man was concerned , although its character steadily changed , merging into a region of forest and good soil . When he came into a real wood , of trees large and many , it was about noon , and finding a comfortable place with his back to a tree he ate from the precious pack . The day was still brilliant but cold and he wisely kept himself thoroughly wrapped in the greatcoat . As he ate he saw a large black bear walk leisurely through the forest , look at him a moment or two , and then waddle on in the same grave , unalarmed manner . The incident troubled Robert , and his high spirits came down a notch or two .