noon
After this we went on side by side and never a word betwixt us until we had reached that pleasant champain country where flowed the river shaded by goodly trees , in whose branches fluttered birds of a plumage marvellously coloured and diverse , and beneath which bloomed flowers as vivid ; insomuch that my lady brake forth ever and anon into little soft cries of delighted wonder . And yet despite all these marvels it was long ere we shook off the evil of that ghastly rock . Presently as we journeyed came a wind sweet and fresh from the sea , offsetting the sun 's immoderate heat to our great comfort , so that , though ofttimes our way was toilsome , our spirits rose notwithstanding , and we laughed and talked unfeignedly as only good comrades may . By noon we had reached a place of rocks where , according to Adam 's map should be a ford , though hereabouts the stream , swollen by the late rains , ran deep . Howbeit we presently came upon the ford sure enough and , having crossed it , my lady must needs fall to admiring at her new shoes again , finding them water-fast . `` And they so comfortable and easy to go in , Martin ! '' `` Why , you have footed it bravely thus far ! ''