noon
The cañon descended very rapidly , and by noon we were so far below the level of the Mexican plateau that the air had a tropical warmth in it ; and so warm was the night -- for all the afternoon we continued to descend -- that we had no need for blankets when we settled ourselves for sleep . Rayburn was of the opinion that we were close upon the Tierra Caliente , the hot lands of the coast ; and when we resumed our march in the morning he went on in advance of the rest of us , that he might maintain a cautious outlook . If he were right in his conjecture as to our whereabouts , we might at any moment come upon hostile Indians . It was towards noon that he came softly back to us and bade us lay down our packs and advance silently with him , carrying only our arms . `` There 's something queer ahead ; and I thought that I heard voices , '' he explained . `` But there must be no shooting unless we are shot at . Some of these Indians are friendly , and we do n't want to start a row with them if they are willing not to row with us . ''