midday
This caused me no concern , however , for I believed that when we reached the huts , we should be able to obtain certain information as to the remainder of our course . And though I knew that Leroux was behind , and that he would press forward the more impetuously when he discovered the success of his deadly ruse , I did not seem to care . Above me was the pale sun , the glow of health was in my limbs -- and beside me walked Jacqueline . We must have covered at least a dozen miles or more at the time , when we stopped for a brief midday meal . I was a little fatigued from carrying the pack , and my ankles ached from the snow-shoes ; but Jacqueline , who had evidently been accustomed to their use , was as fresh as when she started . I was glad of the respite ; but we needed to press on . It was probable that Simon would camp by our dismantled sleigh that night .