noon
He turned and picked up his rifle . `` Bring your friend back to dinner , Alchise , '' he said . `` Our little holiday must end right here . '' They reached the camp at noon and while the squaws made ready for breaking camp , Rhoda sat deep in thought . Before her were the burning sky and desert , with hawk and buzzard circling in the clear blue . Where had the old hatred of Kut-le gone ? Whence came this new trust and understanding , this thrill at his touch ?