noon
Even more carefully , if possible , did he scrutinize the rocks and the creek ahead . He had already found life in the chasm , and he might find more . The full light of day came quickly now , and with it the youth 's progress became more rapid . He figured that if he lost no time in further investigation of the creek he would arrive at camp by noon , and they would dig up the skeleton without delay . There was little snow in the chasm , in spite of the lateness of the season , and if the roll of bark held the secret of the lost gold it would be possible for them to locate the treasure before other snows came to baffle them . At the spot where he had killed the silver fox Rod paused for a moment . He wondered if foxes ever traveled in pairs , and regretted that he had not asked Wabi or Mukoki that question .