noon
In ten minutes more the boys were off at a round gallop . There was no intention of pushing their mounts so soon in the day . Like most persons who have spent much time on horseback both lads knew the poor policy of urging an animal to its best speed in the early part of a journey , especially one that is to be prolonged for ten or twelve hours . At noon they were far enough advanced for Frank to declare he had no doubt about being able to make Flagstaff before sunset . `` When we get there , and spend a night at the hotel , we must remember and ask if our friend Mr. Stanwix and his partner arrived in good time , and went on , '' Bob suggested . Just as Frank had expected , they made the town on the railroad before the sun had dropped out of sight ; and the horses were in fair condition at that . Flagstaff only boasts of a normal population of between one and two thousand ; but there are times , with the influx of tourists bound for the Grand Canyon , when it is a lively little place .