noon
The drovers were alarmed for the man 's welfare ; it was impossible to hold the herd longer , so the young fellow volunteered to make the ride alone . He was given the best horse in the remuda , and with the falling of darkness started for Fort Concho . I had the pleasure of meeting him afterward , as happy as he was hale and hearty . The start across the arid stretch was made at noon . Every hoof had been thoroughly watered in advance , and with the heat of summer on us it promised to be an ordeal to man and beast . But Loving had driven it before , and knew fully what was before him as we trailed out under a noonday sun . An evening halt was made for refreshing the inner man , and as soon as darkness settled over us the herd was again started .