midday
On all sides the ground was as hard as a rock , and the keen air was bracing to the last degree . A stiff breeze was blowing , swaying the branches overhead , and occasionally bringing down a belated nut on their heads . By noon they calculated that they had covered eighteen miles , which was not bad , considering the nature of the ground they had traversed . With the rising of the sun it grew warmer , and , seeking a sheltered spot , they dismounted and partook of their midday meal . They had still twenty-six miles to go , but hoped to cover that distance before nightfall . `` I wonder how the garrison at San Antonio is making out , '' said Dan , as they sat eating . `` Like as not a good many of the soldiers went home for Christmas , '' returned Stover .