Noon
While Hector was away from the camp Loraine thoughtfully employed himself in examining their baggage , and in selecting such articles of food and clothing as they could carry on their backs , and in doing them up in two packs , making the heaviest for himself . He was thus engaged when he heard a couple of shots , but concluding that Hector had fired at some ducks , as he proposed , went on with his occupation . As he looked at their saddle-bags and valises , he regretted having to leave them , but without horses he saw no possibility of carrying them . Noon was approaching , Hector had not returned , and he became seriously anxious ; so , taking his gun , he set out to look for him . `` If he returns while I am away , he will , I hope , guess why I have gone , and will remain quietly here for my return , '' he said to himself . As he walked along he searched on every side , but Hector was nowhere to be seen . The dreadful thought occurred that his young friend might have met with some accident , or that , should Indians have carried off Greensnake , they might have entrapped him also .