noon
Using their sharp knives , they began cutting the corn close to the ground . They stood the tall golden stalks on end , tying them together in neat shocks or bundles . By the time the sun stood directly overhead , several long rows had been cut and stacked , and John Carter was coming toward them across the field . It was noon . Abe laid aside his knife , sat down on the rail fence , and pulled out his book . He took a piece of cornbread wrapped in a corn husk from his pocket . As he ate , he read , paying no attention to the conversation taking place a few feet away .