twelve o'clock
He knew , and so did Frank , that what Arthur had called the `` middle mast , '' was known on shipboard as the mainmast . They knew that the `` very top '' of the mainmast was called the main truck ; and that the look-outs were not generally stationed so high up in the world . `` We can talk as we ride along , '' said Johnny . `` We have ten miles to go , and we ought to reach the captain 's by twelve o'clock . The old fellow tells a capital story over his after-dinner pipe . '' The boys mounted their horses , and , led by Johnny , galloped off in the direction of the old fur-trader 's ranch . They rode in silence for a few minutes , and then Archie said : `` If you would n't think me too inquisitive , Arthur , I 'd like to know at what age you began your travels ? ''