noon before
Surely Providence was favoring him ! He was off early the next morning . He was sorely tempted to go first to the cabin , but every moment was precious until he had tested the proof of his good fortune . It was high noon before he reached the fringe of forest . A few paces farther and he found the spring and outcrop . To avert his partners ' suspicions he had not brought his own implements , but had borrowed a pan , spade , and pick from a neighbor 's claim before setting out . The spot was apparently in the same condition as when he left it , and with a beating heart he at once set to work , an easy task with his new implements .