noon
The wind from the northwest continued steadily for two days , relieving us from work . On the morning of the third day the signs in sky and air were plain for falling weather . Cattle , tottering with weakness , came into the well , and after drinking , playfully kicked up their heels on leaving . Before noon the storm struck us like a cloud-burst . Pasquale and I took refuge under the wagon to avoid the hailstones . In spite of the parched ground drinking to its contentment , water flooded under the wagon , driving us out . But we laughed at the violence of the deluge , and after making everything secure , saddled our horses and set out for home , taking our relay mounts with us .