noon
This last was really a terrible hardship , and I noticed more than one poor fellow fall from his mule in a kind of stupor as I rode along . However , by dint of pegging away , we arrived at the town of Moquegua just in time to capture most of the runaways , and then , utterly worn out and exhausted , gladly settled down for a few days ' rest . José and I were billeted in a house near the colonel 's quarters , and the people gave us a warm welcome . They spread a good meal , to which we did ample justice , and then , although barely noon , we went straight to bed . `` I hope , '' exclaimed José as he lay down , `` that we sha n't be disturbed for a month . I can easily do with a month 's sleep . '' `` The chances are , '' said I gloomily , `` that the colonel will be knocking us up before we have fairly begun to dream . ''