about six o'clock
They started awake at dawn to the discordant laughter of a jackass in the gum tree above their heads . After a moment 's struggle to locate herself Marcella sprang up and , running over the little plot of grass that fringed the creek , had another joyous swim . The morning was very still -- uncannily still , and already hot . When they started out along the bank of the creek about six o'clock they felt the oppression almost unendurable , but in the motionless air the five trees that marked Loose End were very distinct , though rather like toy trees in a child 's model garden . The depression of the night had gone ; neither of them mentioned it ; they talked of trivialities until they halted for lunch and drank a billy full of lukewarm tea . Louis had built a tent by spreading two of the blankets over bushes to keep off the sun-glare . But there was not much rest in the gasping heat and at last Marcella stood up , stretching her arms which the pack on her back was making stiff .