noon
The trail led through small clearings where a brook or waterfall made life worth living . But the higher they climbed the more rugged grew the trail , until there were long stretches that seemed to be sheer wilderness . At such places , the scouts had to hunt about and find a blaze to guide them further . In this way , the hours passed and noon came ; still the hikers were far from Grey Fox Camp . `` And I 'm starved to pieces ! '' Joan assured them all . `` So 'm I ! ''