ten o'clock
Hiram volunteered for the trip , and Schultz volunteered to go with him . At once the two set off behind six of Hiram 's lamenting animals for the long night trip , eating a hasty lunch as they traveled . Dawn was breaking when they returned with a full tank , and were greeted by the braying of the mules and the expectant nickering of the horses , who smelled the water from afar . Jo ordered a rest until ten o'clock , to counteract the suffering that the thirsty animals had undergone and to rest Hiram 's six after the performance of their double task . These setbacks made them late in their arrival at the scene of coming toil , but gradually the distant buttes grew plainer as they moved on steadily toward them over the crunching sands , so hot and barren . Hiram Hooker was riding with Jerkline Jo as they approached the buttes . She was hammering away on her typewriter , while Hiram was deep in a mathematical problem , his tongue out and gripped by his teeth .