noon
To tell the truth , the excitement of the morning had been rather trying for them , but if it left them a trifle nervous they soon forgot their apprehension in making the last of the transfer . There was now another reason for abandoning the car . With headquarters established in the corral they would be near the balloon and its equipment , and if Jellup should permit his ill will to develop into some overt act , they would be in a position more easily to protect themselves . For that reason a number of their `` greaser '' assistants were taken to the car before noon and the hydrogen cask was loaded on the small wagon and carefully freighted to the corral . Then followed the remainder of the provisions and the personal belongings of the boys . Early in the afternoon the Placida was closed and turned over to the railway agent . When Ned announced to Alan that they would at once unpack and test the motor -- `` for we might as well stop if the engine is n't right , '' as he put it -- all thoughts of the troubles of the early day vanished .