noon
`` It may not be as good as a gun , but it is better than nothing . '' Onward he went once more , stopping once to get some handsful of berries which he knew were good to eat , and then again for a drink of water for himself and his steed . He had left his former trail , fearful of going in a circle once more , -- a common experience of those traveling in a dense forest . By noon Jack was more than hungry and he decided to shoot something and cook it for a meal . He kept his eyes open , and when some plump birds came close , brought down two with ease . Then a fire was lit , and he spitted the birds and broiled them to his satisfaction . He took his time over the meal , allowing his pony to graze in the meanwhile .