noon
He knew just where to go , for he had hunted through it many times with his friend Tim Brophy , for whose company he longed more than ever before . Jack wanted food , but it could not be had . He did not need it , however , to the extent of suffering . At the noon halt , when his master sat on the ground by a spring of cold water to eat his lunch , the pony had cropped the succulent grass that grew around , and he could stand it quite well until the morrow . The animal needed rest and shelter more than anything else , and it was that which his young master meant he should have . As if he understood it all , the horse of his own accord struck into a brisk gallop , which rendered unnecessary any other protection from the cold . The snow was still falling , but the temperature was not low , and there was not enough on the ground to interfere with the travelling of the animal , who maintained his pace until the abrupt appearance of the rocky section , with its trees and bowlders , compelled him to drop to a slow walk , with his nose thrust forward , as if to scent every step of the way , like an elephant crossing a doubtful bridge .