nearly noon
The fallen tree was lying across the brook at a very steep ascent and it was with great difficulty that Gerald boosted his sister to the narrow ledge on which it rested . `` Do n't be scared , '' he said . `` I 'll get you across all right and then we 'll begin calling for Dan . '' It was nearly noon when Dan returned to the cabin . He gave a long whistle of astonishment when he saw the disordered living-room and heard no one about . Jane at once appeared in her doorway . Her face still showed evidence of her anger .