noon
They proved to be oxen instead of horses , and once the canoes , and other stuff , had been loaded on the big low wagon , the journey commenced . Slow progress was the order of the day . Giraffe grumbled , but it did no good . And it was really noon when they finally came in sight of the lake . The canoes were gladly launched , a light lunch eaten , the teamster paid off , and then again the voyage was resumed under a favoring sky ; for the air was bracing , and so far not a sign of the first snow storm had made its appearance , though the guides warned their charges to be prepared for the worst , as a downfall was nearly due . A cold wind was blowing from the northwest so that the wise guides hugged the sheltered shore of Portage Lake , since the waves were of pretty good size , and the flying spray would be far from pleasant in such weather . Finally they reached the place where the lake had its outlet into a small stream , that , after flowing for a number of miles , emptied into the Lower Lake of the great and famous Eagle chain .