midday
The colored gentleman looked as though it would only require the least encouragement for him to step in and swim across ; but as this was not forthcoming he waved his ebony arm in farewell and turned back again . Thad breathed easier . Nevertheless , for hours he continued to scan the shore-line ahead ; and once , when some unseen hunter fired at some sort of game back from the river 's edge , the sweep-tender was seen to duck his head mechanically , much to the amusement of his companion . The day grew old , and they had made uninterrupted progress , not even stopping for the midday meal . While Thad held the long oar his mate slung some sort of a hot meal together , which satisfied their voracious appetites and warmed them as well . `` Where 's your storm ? '' asked Thad , about the middle of the afternoon , as he glanced up at the sky .