noon
The latter remark was caused by the sun disappearing under heavy clouds . Soon it began to snow , at first lightly , and then heavier and heavier . `` We 're going to catch it ! '' said Tom , after the noon stop had been taken at a wayside hotel , where they had taken dinner , keeping the boxed lunch for later on . `` The snow is four inches deeper than it was . '' On they went again , the snow becoming so thick at last that they could scarcely see a yard before them . It was very cold , and the cadets were glad enough to huddle in the straw , with the robes over them , leaving the driver to pick his way as best he could .