nearly noon
`` From this out I wo n't so much as yip , '' Jake replied earnestly , as he made a vigorous attack on the roast tapir . `` Getting lost in such a forest as this is enough to make a fellow 's hair turn white . '' `` If it will prevent you from playing the fool any more I shall be satisfied , '' Cummings , who had come up unperceived , said emphatically . Although it was nearly noon , the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary , Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay . `` It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake , and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding , '' he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day . `` If the Indians should besiege us here , it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made , because of lack of water , therefore we can render our position no worse , and may succeed in bettering it by going now . '' Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light , for he made no protest ; but began at once to prepare for the tramp .