noon
Virginia made a sign to the slave to approach her master ; and instantly sprang away followed by Paul . They climbed up the steep they had descended ; and having gained the summit , seated themselves at the foot of a tree , overcome with fatigue , hunger and thirst . They had left their home fasting , and walked five leagues since sunrise . Paul said to Virginia , -- `` My dear sister , it is past noon , and I am sure you are thirsty and hungry : we shall find no dinner here ; let us go down the mountain again , and ask the master of the poor slave for some food . '' -- `` Oh , no , '' answered Virginia , `` he frightens me too much . Remember what mamma sometimes says , ` The bread of the wicked is like stones in the mouth . ' '' -- `` What shall we do then , '' said Paul ; `` these trees produce no fruit fit to eat ; and I shall not be able to find even a tamarind or a lemon to refresh you . ''