noon
He can not help leaving some mark at the place , slight though it be , and the next man looks for that mark to save himself time and trouble . `` Ugh '' was the only sound that Rolf heard from his companion , and the canoe headed for a flat rock in the pool below the rapids . After landing , they found traces of an old camp fire . It was near noon now , so Rolf prepared the meal while Quonab took a light pack and went on to learn the trail . It was not well marked ; had not been used for a year or two , evidently , but there are certain rules that guide one . The trail keeps near the water , unless there is some great natural barrier , and it is usually the easiest way in sight . Quonab kept one eye on the river , for navigable water was the main thing , and in about one hundred yards he was again on the stream 's edge , at a good landing above the rapid .