nearly noon
`` I was , '' replied Prescott as he recovered himself . He stayed all night in the hut -- there was nothing now to hurry for -- and the next morning the lank youth , with the same taciturn generosity , shared with him his breakfast . Prescott turned back toward Richmond , his heart swelling with the desire for home . The sun came out bright and strong , the rain dried up , and the world was again young and beautiful ; but the country remained lone and desolate , and not till nearly noon did he come in contact with human life . Then he saw a half-dozen horsemen approaching -- whether Northern or Southern he did not care -- it did not matter now , and he went on straight toward them . But the foremost rider leaped down with a cry of joy and wrung his hand . `` Bob , Bob , old boy ! ''