noon
But it was wearying work , and , becoming ever more aware of his double load , he began to chafe with dissatisfaction . Yet he held to his gait , hopeful of better things -- he was always hopeful of better things now -- until he reached another dune , larger than any as yet encountered , when once more he broke out of his stride to circle its bottom . As he did so , of his own volition he checked himself . Dead ahead he saw horses scattered about , and beyond the horses , rising limply in the noon haze , a thin column of smoke . Also , he felt both his riders stiffen . Then on the midday hush rose the crack of firearms from the direction of the camp . His master lifted a shrill voice .