noon
Several times I slowed up , then stopped , only to tramp on again . At length , as I mounted a low ridge , Linrock lay bright and green before me , not faraway , and the sight was a conclusive check . There were mesquites on the ridge , and I sought the shade beneath them . It was the noon hour , with hot , glary sun and no wind . Here I had to have out my fight . If ever in my varied life of exciting adventure I strove to think , to understand myself , to see through difficulties , I assuredly strove then . I was utterly unlike myself ; I could not bring the old self back ; I was not the same man I once had been .