noon
Day after day the boys continued the search while Weimer stayed in the cabin `` rustling grub '' and giving suggestions . The theft of the sticks seemed to have shocked the man into something of his former mental keenness and industry . Not once did Ross have to urge him to his household tasks . When the boys tramped into the cabin at noon or long after darkness had fallen , they found a hearty appetizing meal prepared , the cook even going to the length of objecting to their washing the dishes . `` If you dem sticks find , '' he would say , `` Ich vill stay mit dese dishes . '' `` Uncle Jake , '' exclaimed Ross at noon the third day of the hunt , `` I 'm discouraged . We have poked into every spot for miles around where such a lot of dynamite could be hidden -- and then have gone again . ''