noon
But before we had time to administer to him a sound kicking , the lieutenant was with us . We need not tell the reader that we welcomed him with our whole hearts , and that he appeared as delighted to see us as we were glad to see him . `` I have just arrived in time , I see , '' Murden said , glancing at our supper , `` and , by George , I 'm glad that I 've a place to rest to-night , for I 'm tired . We 've been three days on the road , on horseback all the time , with the exception of a few hours during the extreme heat of noon . Our animals got used up about five miles from Ballarat ; so I footed it to town . I suppose that you recollect that scamp , '' -- pointing to Steel Spring , who bowed low at the compliment . `` I 've taken him into my service on his promise to be of good behavior ; but I do n't think that his word is to be relied on ; so I cane him about once in twenty-four hours , to see if what little goodness there is in him can not be brought out . ''