two hours before noon
A rest of an hour and a half , and he was again in the saddle , keeping up the same steady gait until noon , when another halt was made for a couple of hours . On through the afternoon he urged his horse once more , halting only after nightfall . Two hours before daybreak he was in the saddle , and now his horse was pushed more rapidly forward , as though a long rest lay not very far ahead . It was two hours before noon when the worn-out horse pricked up his ears as he saw a flag fluttering in the skies a mile ahead . In through the stockade gate of Fort Faraway rode old Huckleberry , and he asked to be at once taken to the quarters of the commanding officer . Major Randall surveyed the old fellow keenly , and said pleasantly : `` Well , old man , what can I do for you ? '' `` I 'll tell yer , pard , soon as I sees ef thet gent in sojer clothes ai n't goin ' ter speak ter a old friend , '' and old Huck looked over to an officer who was talking to Major Randall when he entered .