noon before
We had best have a bite , as we will have to wait for the crew 's dinner-time when we arrive in camp , '' added Tom Latimer . So the riders dismounted and hastily prepared a luncheon . When they were ready to proceed on the way , Nigger found his pack much lighter than before , so he , too , was delighted to have had the humans stop for lunch . It was past noon before the visitors reached Carew 's Camp , but once there , they were given a hearty welcome by every one . Cookee had been mixing and stirring viands ever since the breakfast had been cleared away , and now he was ready to smile satisfactorily at results , for he was going to give these guests a rare meal that day . Mrs. Carew was a Chicago lady and , for once , Barbara was happy , as she found her hostess knew several people that the Maynards felt were exalted enough to be classed `` in their set . '' As soon as their section master gave them the afternoon 's vacation , Jim Latimer and Kenneth appropriated Polly and Eleanor , and the four started off on fresh horses from the corral , for an excursion .