midday
They were preparing for a start . All had good riding horses , while two baggage animals carried the provisions for the party . The caravan which they intended to accompany was already far out on the plain . `` They are off in good time , '' Frank said ; `` I did not think they would manage to move till midday . '' `` No more they would , '' one of the hunters said ; `` but the chap as is bossing the team moved them off yesterday evening , and got them a mile out of camp , so they were able to start right off the first thing this morning . '' In a few minutes they were on horseback , and , riding at easy pace for the sake of the baggage-horses , they overtook the caravan in two hours . It consisted of fourteen waggons , and four or five light carts with tilts over them .