noon
The sun could not send his light into this shadowy tomb of granite . The rattle of the wheels and the clatter of the horses ' hoofs sounded like a constant crash of thunder in the ears of the tender traveler , a dainty morsel among hawks and wolves . There was an unmistakable tremor in her voice when she at last found heart to ask the officer where they were to spend the night . It was far past noon and Aunt Fanny had suggested opening the lunch-baskets . One of the guides was called back , the leader being as much in the dark as his charge . `` There is no village within twenty miles , '' he said , `` and we must sleep in the pass . '' Beverly 's voice faltered .