noon
`` It occurs to me that we ought to put some inscription on the boat . If any of our friends should discover the boat it might guide them to us . '' `` That is a capital idea , '' answered the Professor ; and they returned to put up the proper notice . It was past noon , but they hoped to cover at least ten miles before evening should set in , but the way was rough and broken . `` I think , '' mused the Professor , as they halted on the journey , `` we made a mistake in not following the seashore . The only reason that prompted me to take this course was the appearance of the shore to the east of our landing place . It looked so uninviting that I felt sure we should find traveling inland more comfortable . ''