midday
This Shaddy tried to obtain , offering something by way of barter , but the man bent down to his paddle with a face full of mistrust , and forced his light vessel toward where his companions had gathered to watch the strangers . `` I do n't like that , '' muttered Shaddy in Rob 's hearing , and at the same moment Joe whispered , -- `` They do n't mean to be friends , and we shall have to look out . '' As he spoke he stretched out his hand for his gun , and began to examine it carefully , a proceeding that was imitated by the others , but in a quiet unostentatious way , so as not to take the attention of the Indians . A few moments ' counsel ended in a determination not to try again to make advances , by no means to halt for the midday rest , but to keep steadily on without paying any heed to the Indians , who followed slowly as the oars were plied , and at a respectful distance . `` How far does this smooth water go , Naylor ? '' asked Brazier . `` Six or seven miles , sir . ''