nine o'clock
The boy waited for no second invitation and devoted his attention to securing as much grub as he could in the shortest possible time . Breakfast was over , the camp straightened up , and they were in the saddle by a quarter to six . It was ten miles from Wilbur 's camp to the point where the trail should start . The country was very rough , and it was drawing on for nine o'clock when they reached the point desired . `` Now , '' said the Supervisor , `` take the brush hook and clear the trail as I locate it . '' Wilbur , accordingly , following immediately after his chief , worked for all he knew how , cutting down the brushwood and preparing the trail . Every once in a while Merritt , who had blazed the trail some distance ahead , would return , and , bidding the boy pile brush , would attack the underwood as though it were a personal enemy of his and would cover the ground in a way that would make Wilbur 's most strenuous moments seem trifling in comparison .