midday
`` Better than being bitten by the kissing bug anyhow , '' teased Roy mischievously . The episode of the tarantula furnished plenty of conversation through the luncheon hour , and caused Miss Prescott many shudders . The poor lady was beginning to think that more dangers lurked in the desert than on any of her most dreaded street crossings in New York . But little time was spent over the midday meal , and then the final `` leg '' of their dash across the alkali to Steer Wells began . The sun was low , bathing the desert in a crimson glow , when Mr. Bell , who was riding in advance , gave a sudden shout and pointed ahead to a patch of forlorn looking trees in the distance . `` Steer Wells , '' he announced . The boys gave a cheer and plunged forward , with Peggy and Jess close behind .