morning, noon
said Norah . `` Oh , I was n't so badly off , '' said the Hermit . `` They 'd left me the plum-duff , which was hanging in its billy from a bough . Lots of duff -- I had it morning , noon and night , until I found something fresh to cook -- and I have n't made duff since . And here we are at the creek ! '' The party had for some time been walking near the creek , so close to it that it was within sound , although they seldom got a glimpse of water , save where the ti-tree scrub on the bank grew thinner or the light wind stirred an opening in its branches . Now , however , the Hermit suddenly turned , and although the others failed to perceive any track or landmark , he led them quickly through the scrub belt to the bank of the creek beyond .