about noon
`` They can turn in the water like a flash , wherefore it is not wise to pat one on the tail lest it present its mouth instead . '' They paddled on up the river , the dusky Indians now and then breaking out into a chant that seemed to give their muscles new energy . The song , if song it was , passed from one boat to the other , and as the chant boomed forth the craft shot ahead more swiftly . They made a landing about noon , and lunch was served . Tom and his friends were hungry in spite of the heat . Moreover , they were experienced travelers and had learned not to fret over inconveniences and discomforts . The Indians ate by themselves , two acting as servants to Jacinto and the professor 's party .