noon
`` The Dread of the Wild '' had come to them . When they camped at midday things were no better . They had seen nothing more to disturb them , but the thoughts of both had turned upon the night , so long and drear , which was to come ; and the `` dread '' grew stronger . After the noon meal Nick harnessed the dogs while Ralph stowed the chattels . They were on a hillside overlooking a wide valley of unbroken forest . All was ready for a start and Nick gave a wide , comprehensive glance around . The magic word `` Mush , '' which would send the dogs headlong at their breast harness , hovered on his lips , but ere he gave it utterance it changed into an ejaculation of horror .