noon
Glenarvan could not refuse the request of his amiable hosts , to spend the whole day at the station . It was twelve hours ' delay , but also twelve hours ' rest , and both horses and bullocks would be the better for the comfortable quarters they would find there . This was accordingly agreed upon , and the young squatters sketched out a programme of the day 's amusements , which was adopted eagerly . At noon , seven vigorous hunters were before the door . An elegant brake was intended for the ladies , in which the coachman could exhibit his skill in driving four-in-hand . The cavalcade set off preceded by huntsmen , and armed with first-rate rifles , followed by a pack of pointers barking joyously as they bounded through the bushes . For four hours the hunting party wandered through the paths and avenues of the park , which was as large as a small German state .