noon
`` It 's lucky I 've tried it , '' replied Charlie ; `` but I 'll fix it all nice . '' And pushing out the stone with his foot , he went up stairs , and returned with an old bayonet , with which he succeeded in dexterously working some small holes through the mortar , with which the crevices of the ill-matched stones were filled . This was so ingeniously done , that it would not be noticed ; and yet enough light and air were let in to make the place tolerable for the purpose for which it was intended . It was now past noon , and they went up stairs , and Charlie looked out again , to see if there were any signs of danger ; but still `` all was quiet along the Potomac . '' `` I do n't think , '' sagely observed Charlie , `` that the Indians are ever coming back . In my opinion they have had about enough of fighting , they cleared off so quick , and there is so many of them dead . '' At which Bub waxed valiant , and said , -- `` I wish I had my big stick to stick into their backs , if they do come . ''