noon
The line-riders relaxed their vigil , and in preparation for observing the Natal day , each camp put forth its best hunter to secure a venison . The absence of snow , during the storm , had held the antelope tributary to the Beaver , and locating game was an easy matter . To provide the roast , the spirit of rivalry was accented anew , and each camp fervently hoped for its own success . A venison hung at headquarters before noon , Manly making a running shot at the leader of a band , which was surprised out of a morning siesta near the old trail crossing . If a quarry could only be found in the sand hills , a natural shelter for antelope , Sargent had flattered Dell into believing that his aim was equal to the occasion . The broken nature of the dune country admitted of stealthy approach , and its nearness to the upper camp recommended it as an inviting hunting ground . The disappointment of the first effort , due to moderated weather , was in finding the quarry far afield .