noon
The creek itself was a mere streamlet which ran a short course from the mountains of the interior , brawling down a wild gully of inconsiderable extent . Near its mouth was a cascade , divided by a small rock or islet . It was between this rock and the south shore that the McLeods purposed to erect their dam when the ice should have cleared away , and here , in the meantime , the three men busied themselves in cutting and shaping the necessary timbers , and forming the rougher parts of the machinery of the mill . They toiled steadily till noon , and then returned to their log-hut for dinner , which consisted of cold pork , hot tea , biscuit , and salt butter . They were still in the midst of this meal when the door opened and a man entered , carrying under his arm a pair of long snow-shoes , which he had just taken off . `` Glad to see you , Bellew , we had expected you earlier , '' said the elder McLeod , rising and shaking hands with the trapper . `` I would have been earlier , '' replied Bellew , handing a letter to McLeod , `` but for a redskin whom I met on the way , who delayed me somewhat .