noon
`` But it is neither . You will be fortunate if you reach there in three or four days . '' `` Give us the direction , and we will try it , sir . '' The two young travellers , refreshed by their night 's sleep and two substantial meals , made good progress , and by noon found themselves , despite the difficulties of the way , seven miles distant from the station where they had received such hospitable treatment . By this time they were hungry , and were glad to sit down at the base of a gigantic gum-tree and attack the provisions they had brought with them . They were in good spirits and chatted cheerfully . Many thousands of miles away from home , without a penny in their pockets , and with only a basket of provisions between them and starvation , they did not allow themselves to be depressed by their uncertain prospects , but looked forward hopefully .