midday
Pete was not leading his young charges at a rapid pace . In spite of the fact that they were at the bottom of the gulch the altitude was still so high that breathing was somewhat difficult . They steadily continued on their way for two hours , making only occasional stops . Then they halted for the midday rest and the preparation of the luncheon which Pete at once began to get ready . The fire was kindled under the lea of a projecting shelf of rock and soon the odor of broiling bacon appealed strongly to the Go Ahead Boys , whose appetites already needed no stimulant . `` This is the life ! '' exclaimed John a few minutes later when he and Fred were seated on rocks under the shade of the over-hanging cliffs .