noon
Both of us being satisfied that this would hold them for several hours at least , we struck a free gait for it . After we passed the point where the mules had been overtaken , the trail of the horses was distinct enough for us to follow in an easy canter . We saw frequent signs that they left the trail , no doubt to graze , but only for short distances , when they would enter it again , and keep it for miles . Shortly before noon , as we gained the divide above our noon camp of the day before , there about two miles distant we saw our missing horses , feeding over an alkali flat on which grew wild sorrel and other species of sour plants . We rounded them up , and finding none missing , we first secured a change of mounts . The only two horses of my mount in this portion of the _ remuda _ had both been under saddle the afternoon and night before , and were as gaunt as rails , and Honeyman had one unused horse of his mount in the hand . So when , taking down our ropes , we halted the horses and began riding slowly around them , forcing them into a compact body , I had my eye on a brown horse of Flood 's that had not had a saddle on in a week , and told Billy to fasten to him if he got a chance .