noon
The boys , Schoverling and the doctor huddled together in the wet grass under the tent , blankets around them and saddle-cloths over their feet , and slept comfortably enough despite the drenching rain . When the camp wakened into action , the rain had passed over and once more the sky was bright and the air hot . But they had obtained three full casks of water , and now had little fear for the future . As the explorer had predicted , the soil was wet and greasy , but aside from getting stuck once in an old drift , they had no great trouble , and after the noon halt the sun had dried up the ground fairly well . When they halted at sunset that night Charlie pulled out his glasses and then gave a cry of joy . Far ahead , but unmistakable , they could see green slopes and trees . Quilqua the mysterious was in sight .