midday
Upon this his face brightened , and his air , which had been listless , became more animated . The Indians glanced at him , with grave approval . They concluded that he was becoming reconciled to living among them . When the simple midday meal was placed upon the ground , and the Indians gathered around it in a sitting posture , Tom followed their example , and did full justice to the dinner . In fact , he had taken so much exercise that he felt hungry . Besides , he knew that he must keep up his strength , if he wished to escape ; so , instead of keeping aloof in sullen dissatisfaction , he displayed a `` healthy appetite . '' After resting several hours the Indians resumed their journey , but did not travel far .