Noon
`` Greg Holmes , a thirteen-year-old boy , had n't feet of that size , '' remarked the militia officer almost sharply . `` We know that young Holmes wears a number four boot . '' Still the line dragged on . Noon came , finding the searching party about a mile above Payson 's and in wilder country . Some of the men were decidedly hungry , as were also all of the boys . Captain Hall 's whistle blew sharply , bringing in his forces . `` We never thought , of course , of provisioning this expedition , '' said the officer , with a smile .