noon
Virginia made a sign to the slave to approach her master , and instantly sprung away , followed by Paul . `` They climbed up the precipice they had descended ; and , having gained the summit , seated themselves at the foot of a tree , overcome with fatigue , hunger , and thirst . They had left their cottage fasting , and had walked five leagues since break of day . Paul said to Virginia , ` My dear sister , it is past noon , and I am sure you are thirsty and hungry ; we shall find no dinner here ; let us go down the mountain again , and ask the master of the poor slave for some food . ' -- ` Oh no , ' answered Virginia ; ` he frightens me too much . Remember what mamma sometimes says , the bread of the wicked is like stones in the mouth . ' -- ` What shall we do then ? '