nine o'clock
`` I 'd rather sit on those big boulders along Goose Creek , just where it empties into the backwaters of Cheeseman Dam , and catch a few big fellows like that one than to take an extended trip to Europe , '' solemnly declared Ham . `` I 'd rather fish in the Narrows of Platte Canyon and pull out a fine big rainbow every now and then than ride in a New York subway , '' added Chuck . `` And I 'd rather see Mr. Allen catch _ another _ big trout like that one you 're eating , '' remarked Willis , with a wink at Mr. Allen , `` than to catch all the bass in the State of Michigan . '' By nine o'clock the party was again on the trail , traveling northwest around the base of Black Mountain . `` It 's going to be a scorcher , '' exclaimed Fat . `` I 'm about melted already . I hope they have n't shipped that bear away from Cather Springs yet .