midday
`` They 're not Indians anyhow , '' she went on , `` so I guess we 'll do some more plowing . '' When the sun was so high that Simon 's shadow made but a small splotch upon the ground under him , Dallas again stopped to look toward the east . The men and horses had travelled only a short distance , and were halted for their noon rest . Close to the wagons , the smoke of burning grass-twists was curling up from under the midday meal . `` They ai n't soldiers , '' she said decisively ; `` if they was , they 'd go on to the ferry . And what _ can _ they be , headed this way ? '' She took off her hat and swung it at her father to attract his attention , then pointed toward the men and teams .