noon
And yet it seemed that a month had passed since their ecstatic ride upward through the golden forest , and Wayland said as much while they stood for a moment surveying the majestic park with its wall of guardian peaks . But Berrie replied : `` It seems only a few hours to me . '' From this point the traveling was good , and they descended rapidly , zigzagging from side to side of a long , sweeping ridge . By noon they were once more down amid the aspens , basking in a world of sad gold leaves and delicious September sunshine . At one o'clock , on the bank of a clear stream , the girl halted . `` I reckon we 'd better camp awhile . You look tired , and I am hungry . ''