noon
So late had the start been made that the boys did not expect to reach their log cabin until after two o'clock . Over Christmas most of the snow had disappeared . There was not enough for good sledding , but just enough to make the going on wheels rather difficult . Before noon , appetite asserted itself . Fortunately the boys had brought along lunches for use on the road . These were devoured with much relish , Joe Miller , of course , being invited to share with them . By one o'clock the horses headed into the forest .