noon
Some of the warriors had followed it without any stopping for breakfast , and they might have caught up with it , perhaps , but for the good generalship of that old mule . He had decided in his own mind to trot right along until he came to something to eat and drink , and the idea was a persuasive one . All the rest determined to have something to eat and drink , and they followed their leader . It was not easy for men on foot to catch up with them , and before noon the warriors sat down and took a smoke , and held a council as to what it was best to do . Before they finished that council the ponies had gained several miles more the start of them . The next council the warriors held contained but three men , for all the rest had gone back as messengers to tell the band that the ponies had not been recovered . By nightfall the remaining three had faithfully carried back the same news , and were ready for a fresh start .