noon
`` I am going to walk for a time , '' said Nealie , as she sprang down and went to the head of the horse , and the others tumbled out also , except Rupert and Ducky , and they trailed along in the little shade cast by the side of the wagon , and declared that it was less tiring to walk in the dust than to be cooped up under the tilt of the wagon . `` We ought to be looking for a camping place soon , for of course we shall be rather longer getting things into shape on the first night , '' said Nealie , and then Rumple and Sylvia begged to be allowed to go forward and find a place which seemed suitable for the purpose , and on their promising not to leave the road , Nealie said they might go . The way still led upward , and between the trees they could still get glimpses of the waters of the wide harbour , although a few miles farther on the road would turn inland , and then they would have to bid goodbye to the sea . Billykins trudged along by the side of Nealie , doing valiant things in the matter of leading the horse , but Don trotted on just in front , looking for a camping ground , which he found presently in a little hollow by the side of the road , not far from a house , where water could be begged for themselves , and also for the horse : a great convenience this , because they seemed to have left the region of little roadside streams , and they had seen no water since noon . `` I wonder why Sylvia and Rumple do not come back . Do you think that they can have lost their way ? '' Nealie asked Rupert , when he came to help her unharness the horse , after the wagon had been drawn into position at the side of the road .