noon
It was not hampered by any heavily burdened foot-passengers . The moon arose , and now Sile was riding on in front with the muddy-bearded veteran . `` Pine , '' said he , `` s ` pose we do n't come to grass and water ? '' `` Most likely we will before mornin ' , or before noon anyhow . If we do n't , we must go on till we do . '' `` Kill all the mules ? '' `` They 'll all die if we do n't , sure 's my name 's Pine -- Yellow Pine . ''