noon
-LSB- Illustration -RSB- Chris brought balloon and eagle down into a rice field , and the two boys transferred the Jewel Tree to the greater safety of the balloon basket . Amos , having the wonderful Jewel Tree to guard , forgot his fears and sat down beside it , where he soon fell asleep . Chris , tying the tail of the eagle to the side of the basket with his shirt , towed Amos and the Jewel Tree through the air all that night and all the next day . They came down at noon in a deserted part of the country so that Chris could sleep and rest , and Amos find fresh water for the leathern bottles they had strapped to their waists . Then they went on until they saw the sea and the wavering line of the coast below and ahead of them . -LSB- Illustration -RSB- The eagle and balloon came gently down at dusk . The balloon was folded into its small size and put back in the pouch around Chris 's neck .