noon
The three boys engaged in hunting , on the way , because the new toy in Camma 's hands had to be put to use . Ephraim put no restraint on the jolly pranks of the boys . John was careful to tell him that Harry and George were not wild or reckless , and that Camma would find them healthy comrades . Shortly after noon , they were told that the first of the caves would be found in the hill toward the right , and that the work of opening the principal one would not be undertaken until after luncheon . You may be sure that the boys made a hurried meal , and without waiting for the workers to come up , they grasped their weapons , and were soon half way up the hill , their guide , an old man , who knew the location of the caves , being with them , to show the way . The old man pointed to the rocky wall , and indicated where the opening was . Ephraim had closed it effectually , for they saw the evidence of the wall before them , where its comparatively smooth surface showed the difference between the natural wall and the rough rocks elsewhere .