midday
So come along , Step Hen ; and if we fail to bring in our share of venison it wo n't be because we lay down too easy . Now for quiet again , remember , and keep a constant lookout ahead . '' It must have been a long time after the noon hour when Step Hen did as he had promised , called a halt in order that they might eat their lunch , and take a rest . As the cold was still with them , though the snow had thus far amounted to but little , Step Hen insisted on starting a small fire , at which they could sit , and be comfortable , while they devoured the food provided for the midday meal . `` You make a fire as quick as the next one , Step Hen , '' admitted Thad , really meaning what he said , and at the same time wishing to raise the drooping spirits of his hunting mate , who was feeling very sore over the loss of his game . `` Oh ! I do n't pretend to know much about starting a blaze in half a dozen styles , the way Giraffe 's got it down pat , '' observed the other , smiling a little ; `` but if you pin me down to going at it the easiest way , with matches , and dead pine cones , why I 'm there every time .