about
midday
`` No ; we are too far away up in the mountains . But I dare say we shall be able to find a ford where we can cross . '' `` Oh ! '' said Punch thoughtfully ; and they journeyed on , beginning to suffer now from hunger in addition to weariness and pain ; and just about midday , when the heat of the sun was beating down strongly in the river valley , Punch limped off painfully to where an oak-tree spread its shady boughs , and threw himself prone . `` It 's all up , comrade , '' he said . `` Ca n't go no farther . '' `` No , no ; do n't give way , '' said Pen , who felt painfully disposed to follow his companion 's example .