midday
Gradually the blur of green that Enoch had observed to the north had outlined itself more and more vividly , and at noon he rode into the shade of a little grove of stunted piñon and juniper . He could find no water but there was a coarse dried grass growing among the trees that the horse cropped eagerly . Enoch removed the saddle and pack from Pablo , and spread his half dried blankets on the ground . Then he threw himself down to rest before preparing his midday meal . In a moment slumber overwhelmed him . He was wakened at dusk by the soft nuzzling of the pony against his shoulder . `` By Jove ! ''