noon
They were thinking of home and the dear ones from whom they had parted for they knew not how long ; and , when boys are thinking deeply of such things , they do not like talking . But , gloom and sadness can not long conquer the spirits of any normal boy ; and , at the end of an hour 's riding they were their own lively and talkative selves again . `` I wonder if we can make our old camping-ground to-night ? '' Thure questioned doubtfully , as they came to a halt , a little before noon , on the top of a steep ridge to give their horses a short rest . `` If I remember right , this ridge is not nearly half-way to the place where dad and I always camped when we went to Sutter 's Fort ; and it must be nearly noon now , '' and he glanced upward at the sun , which was fast nearing the zenith . `` Say , but these old pack-horses are as slow as oxen . I wonder if we ca n't do something to hurry them up ? ''