five o'clock
The Overland Riders , who , for the previous three summers , following their return from France where they had served in various capacities during the war , in the Overton College Unit , had decided to accompany Tom to the Big Woods , seeking such adventure as the northland might afford . As they started away on the first leg of their journey , none was more joyous than the bull pup , who barked at the villagers , barked at every dog and cat within sight , and , after the village had been left behind , entertained himself by barking at imaginary cats and dogs , Emma Dean being his most interested listener . Emma 's quietness attracted the attention of her companions , and they wondered at the change in her , for , on previous journeys , there was seldom a time when Emma did not have a great deal to say . Not until after five o'clock that afternoon did the party halt to rest the ponies and have luncheon , the latter consisting of hot tea and biscuit , the Riders having planned to eat their supper at Bisbee 's Corners . Most of the girls were quite ready for a rest , but , this being their first long ride of the season , they found , upon dismounting , that they could hardly walk . Grace , being the least disturbed of the party , volunteered to get the fire started and brew the tea , while Lieutenant Wingate and Tom Gray watered the horses and staked them at the side of the road for a nibble at the grass that grew there . Then all hands sat down with their feet curled under them and held out their tin cups for a drink of hot tea .