noon
The rock proved unexpectedly easy to work and in another hour , Enoch announced himself willing to risk Milton and the stretcher on the rude path they had hacked out . Milton did not speak during his passage . His fortitude and endurance were very touching to Enoch whose admiration for the young leader increased from hour to hour . Jonas boiled the coffee and heated the noon portions of beans and goat . It was entirely inadequate for the appetites of the hard working crew . Enoch wondered if the others felt as hollow and uncertain-kneed , as he did , but he said nothing nor did they . There was considerable drift wood lodged against the spit of sand and from it , Jonas , with a shout that was half a sob , dragged a broken board on which appeared in red letters , '' - a-che . ''