About noon
He saw a solitary horseman far out over the rolling plain . After some study he made up his mind that the man was going away instead of coming toward them . Breakfast finished the party packed their belongings and started out for their long ride to join the Rangers sometime late in the day . About noon they made camp for dinner and a rest , not taking up their journey until about four o'clock in the afternoon . Darkness overtook them , finding them still without sight or sound of the Spring where Withem said they would find the Rangers ' camp . A consultation was held and it was decided to continue on until they picked up the party . About half an hour after night had fallen , they were riding along when suddenly they were stopped by a stern command .