noon
On the third and the fifth and the seventh days he went over to McTabb 's cabin , and Rookie came out and talked with him at a distance through a birchbark megaphone . On the seventh day there was still no news of Indian Joe and his mother . And on this day Billy played his last part as Deane . He went into her room at noon with broth and toast and a dish of water , and after she had eaten a little he lifted her and made a prop of blankets at her back so that he could brush out and braid her beautiful hair . It was light in the room in spite of the curtain which he kept closely drawn . Outside the sun was shining brightly , and the pale luster of it came through the curtain and lit up the rich tresses he was brushing . When he was done he lowered her gently to her pillow .