noon before
The boys caught the spirit of the occasion , and joined in the wild swirl . Uraso and Muro were at it , and the sole spectator was John , who said that he felt too old to learn the new steps . When the band stopped the people rested , but there was no disposition to break up the merry party , and when the music again struck up the whole scene was acted over again . It was noon before the grand ball ceased . Then , at a sign from the Chief the procession reformed , and went back over the trail , the people dancing all the way , and , apparently , without exhibiting any signs of weariness , although it must be stated that the band was nearing collapse , when the people dispersed . As heretofore stated , there had been no morning meal , and the dancing must have been a trying task , under those conditions . `` It would have been much better if we had something to eat before this part of the ceremony .