midday
Next morning their happiness was even greater and their spirits higher , for the day was clear and perfect , the air full of exhilarating ozone and the golden sunlight and deep blue sky seemed to promise a fair trip and a safe return . Gayly they started off , and gayly they continued , save when the rain poured unpleasantly , or the swarms of Labrador flies attacked them or steep banks or swift rapids made portage difficult . However as no threats or persuasions could induce Joshua to travel in the rain , there were enforced rests that helped in the long run . Another trial was the midday heat . Though the temperature might be at the freezing point at night , by noon it would buoyantly rise to ninety degrees , and the sudden changes made for colds and coughs , that were not easily cured by Mrs. Crane 's nostrums . `` Fortunes of war , '' said Peter , serenely , and Shelby responded , `` If that 's what they are , I 'm a regular profiteer ! '' Days went by , the hours filled with alternate joy and woe , but accepted philosophically by willing hearts who had already learned to love the vicissitudes of the wild .