noon
`` And then , they are sort of scavengers . We would not think of shooting a vulture ; so why not let the coyotes live -- out here ? When they sneak around the poultry runs , that 's another thing . '' Two hours past noon the party rode down a broad green slope into a well-watered valley . A river ran through its length , and several small tributaries joined it . More than one grove of noble cottonwood trees graced the river 's banks . The grass was lush , offering pasturage for thousands of cattle , although there was not a horned creature in sight The herd of horses would be contented here as soon as their alarm had passed .