about noon
As a result , Sanderson said he would take charge of the trading-post for a week or longer , if necessary , and Jadwin said he would also remain close at hand , in case he was wanted . This left Henry free to join Mr. Morris and Barringford in the hunt for Dave , and the young pioneer was not long in preparing himself for the expedition . Fresh horses were obtained , and the party set off early the following morning , when the sun had not yet shown itself over the rolling hills to the eastward . The day had promised fair , but about noon the sky grew dark very suddenly , and soon after this came a flurry of snow , followed by a heavy wind which tore through the trees of the forest with a mighty roar , hurling more than one trunk to the ground . Broken branches fell in all directions , one hitting Henry on the head and scaring his steed so that the animal could scarcely be controlled . `` I must say I do n't like this much ! '' panted the young pioneer , as he reined in the horse .