noon
`` I 'm the gainer , and if Jackson Walters wants his money let him apply to me for it . '' The fact that he now had his money safe once more gave Ralph not a little satisfaction . He was no longer worried over the fact that he might not see Horace Kelsey before nightfall . It was now noon , and Ralph felt hungry . He walked along until he came to a clean-looking restaurant , which he entered , and called for the regular dinner , at thirty cents . He ate all that was placed before him , with keen relish . While at the table he reflected upon his situation , and came to the conclusion that his duty was to write to his mother , telling her of all that had happened .