nine o'clock
Walter soon fell into a deep sleep , while Tad and Ned , too full of the events of the night to go to sleep at once , sat by the camp fire discussing the stirring scenes through which they had so recently passed , until the deep , rhythmic snores of Stacy Brown reminded them that they , too , should seek their pine bough cots if they intended to get any more rest that night . Next morning the camp slept late in spite of itself -- that is , all save Lige Thomas . He was up with the sun , busying himself with getting the outfit ready for a prompt start . At nine o'clock the guide routed them out , and the boys , after washing themselves in the cool , refreshing waters of a little mountain stream , announced themselves as ready to eat anything that might be placed before them . Walter , still pale from his recent experience , but smiling happily , took his place with the rest and ate as heartily as they did of the crisp bacon that Jose had prepared . `` Now that you young gentleman are all together , it 's a good time to give you some advice , '' said Lige . `` Guess I 'm the one who needs it most , '' laughed Walter .