noon
They had started out , filled with a determination to accomplish something , even if it took a couple of days . Indeed , the guide had said to Thad before leaving that none of them need worry if the party failed to show up at nightfall . The distances were so great , and the mountain climbing of such a stupendous character , that they might have to put in the better part of several days reaching the feeding grounds of the animals , and getting the coveted chance for a shot or two . When noon came it found them climbing steadily . They were entirely out of sight of the valley where the camp lay , so that they could have no knowledge of what was happening in that quarter . But so set were the boys on what had taken them forth , that for the time being they felt perfectly satisfied to quite forget other matters . `` Talk about your wild country , '' remarked Step Hen , when they all came to a little stop to eat a `` snack , '' and rest , so as to be ready for a further climb ; `` this sure takes the cake for me .