noon
Patrick Gass says it was three thousand and ninety-six miles to the head of the river . Anyhow , they did n't make it as soon as we shall . '' They ran on steadily , both motors firing perfectly and the sun bright overhead , while the fresh breeze back of them still held fair for most of the bends . They made St. Charles by noon , as had been predicted , but did not pause , eating their lunch aboard as they traveled . `` Our captains did n't do this , '' said Rob . `` As near as I can learn , they camped and cooked on shore . And they certainly got plenty of game . ''