noon
`` There is no cause for alarm , '' observed Pedro , who had risen to assist in preparing breakfast . `` No doubt it is the worst storm I ever met with , or even heard of , at this season of the year , but it can not last much longer ; and whatever happens , it ca n't run into winter just now . '' As if to justify the guide 's words , the hurricane began to diminish in violence , and the pauses between blasts were more frequent and prolonged . When breakfast was over , appearances became much more hopeful , and before noon the storm had ceased to rage . Taking advantage of the change , without delay they loaded the pack-mules , saddled , mounted , and set forth . To many travellers it would have been death to have ventured out on such a trackless waste , but Pedro knew the road and the landmarks so thoroughly that he advanced with his wonted confidence . At first the snow was very deep , and , despite their utmost care , they once or twice strayed from the road , and were not far from destruction .