noon
`` I wo n't forgit dat , neber ! '' The nervous boy was averse to attempting a second jump , and so the party walked along the opening until a much narrower spot was reached . Once over , the upward climb was again begun . By noon they reckoned that they were within half a mile of the top . But all were exhausted , and glad enough to rest and take a bite to eat . A fine spring was found , and here they washed up and quenched their thirst before resuming the journey . They found a large quantity of huckleberries growing on the hillside , and these made very acceptable eating .