noon
It was drawn by a heavy pair of horses , who looked well able to get through any snowdrift that might present itself . Ithaca was soon left behind , and they sped swiftly along a road running northward , a half mile more from the west shore of the lake . The road was level , and somewhat worn by travel , and for the first three miles good time was made . `` If we can continue this gait we 'll reach Putnam Hall by three or four o'clock this afternoon , allowing an hour 's rest at noon , '' said the driver in reply to a question put by Frank . `` But we have still a number of small hills to climb , and it 's not going to stay as clear as it was early this morning . '' The latter remark was caused by the sun disappearing under heavy clouds . Soon it began to snow , at first lightly , and then heavier and heavier .