noon
She had a quick ear and the power of attention , but after an hour of it I tore the bark in pieces . `` We will not try this again , '' I told her roughly , and we scarcely met or spoke for the next day . The fourth morning came without rain , and the sun struggled out . We built great fires , dried our clothing , repacked the canoes , and were afloat by noon . By contrast it was pleasant , but it still was cold , and we stood to our paddling . I wrapped the woman in extra blankets , and made her swallow some brandy . I hoped that she would sleep , but she did not , for it was she who called to us that there were three canoes ahead .