one o'clock
`` But if I 'm not back then this Miller will be , '' returned Ross hopefully , `` and he shows up rather agreeably . '' After a hasty dinner , Ross selected from his chest all that he considered would be required . Some of the articles Miller put into his game pouch , Ross making up a bundle himself to bind on his own back and so divide the load . At one o'clock they started , with Weimer and Leslie standing in the doorway , the former urging them on with many expressions of hope for a speedy return that they might get ahead of `` dose consarned gang . '' Ross walked after Miller easily . Those past few days on the mountainsides had accustomed him to the use of snow-shoes . Almost in silence they crossed the valley and began the ascent of what remained of Soapweed Ledge .