noon
As if eager to convince himself that there was no great danger to be apprehended from the journey through the forest , he continued to talk about his plans until both the boys were perfectly familiar with all he hoped to gain by the attempt ; but of his fears not a word was spoken . At night all retired early in order to be fresh for the morrow 's work , and when the first faint flush of another day appeared in the eastern sky Jake aroused his companions . `` Turn out , boys , '' he shouted cheerily . `` We must make the most of these cool hours , for it will be necessary to halt at noon , and we want to get through the forest as quickly as possible . '' While speaking he was fastening the heaviest package on his back , and after a hurried toilet in the sea Neal and Teddy took up their loads . It was still quite dark under the towering trees when the journey was begun ; but each moment the gloom grew less , until , when the sun rose it was possible to see the way with but little difficulty . To travel very rapidly was out of the question .