noon
Our proposal was agreed to , and without any more loss of time , each of us taking with him a piece of horse-flesh , we re-traced our steps . The parson was on foot ; and though I proposed many times that we should ride alternately , he always refused , preferring now to travel on foot , as he was heartily tired of riding . Indeed , I never saw a better walker in my life ; the man had evidently mistaken his profession , for he would have gained more money with his legs as an Indian runner ; or a scout , than he had any chance of obtaining in the one to which he belonged , and for which he was most unqualified . The next day , at noon , we encamped on the stream , and though with little hope of success , I threw in my fishing line , baiting my hook with horse-flies and grasshoppers . My hooks had scarcely sunk in the water , when the bait was taken , and to my astonishment and delight , I soon dragged out of the water two very large trout . I shouted to my companions , who were soon round me , and we resolved to pass the night there , as we considered that a good meal or two would enable us so much better to continue our fatiguing journey . A little above us was also discovered a large quantity of drift , timber left dry upon the sand , and in a short time every one of us were actively employed in preparing for a jovial meal .