noon
`` There is , '' Tom informed him . `` According to my map here , and what information I 've been able to pick up , there 's a fine cold spring bubbles up alongside the road right there ; and for one I 'm feeling the need of a good drink the worst kind . '' After that it was noticed that even the laggards began to show unusual energy , as if the prospect of soon being able to throw themselves down and slake their thirst , as well as satisfy their hunger , appealed forcibly to them . It was close on to noon when finally , with a shout , they hurried forward and dropped their packs close to where the ice-cold spring flowed . `` Queer how heavy those old packs do get the longer you carry them , '' observed George , as he waited for his turn to lie down and drink his fill of the spring water . `` You 're a suspicious sort of fellow , George , '' declared Felix ; `` I 've seen you turn around as quick as a flash , just as if you thought some other scout might be hanging his pack on to yours , so as to make you carry double . '' George turned redder than he had already become under the force of the sun ; but he did not deny the accusation .