about noon
He was making , in fact , for open ground that would bring them in the direction of the fort by a longer but much easier road than a direct line through the jungle . He was making also for water , for his scant supply had been exhausted by his guests , and he knew the road he was taking would lead him to broad pools of water . Adams nodded his head to imply that he understood , and the man led on . Somewhere about noon they halted for a rest and some food . It was less boggy here , and the sunlight showed stronger through the dense roof of foliage . The cassava cakes were tainted with must , and they had no water , but the increasing light made them forget everything but the freedom that was opening before them . Adams pointed to the empty calabash which their guide carried , and the collector nodded and pointed before them , as if to imply that soon they would come to water and that all would be well .