noon
More small sticks . Not the big ones . '' -LSB- Illustration -RSB- During dinner , which occurred at noon , there were fewer words that day , and with somewhat more reflection than was usual . The store of provisions now rapidly disappearing , together with no prospect of immediate escape , furnished rich material for thought . Both knew the raft might prove a treacherous reliance . Instead of landing them on the opposite bank of the river there were excellent chances of its carrying them out to sea .