noon
The professors he grew to like , some more , some less , always admiring most those who seemed to him to deal in a fair and righteous manner with their classes -- fairness being judged by the code in use among `` the kids '' in New York . But that was before he grew to know the president . After that his code changed . His first interview with that dignitary was on an afternoon when he had been overheard by the matron to use vile language among the boys at the noon hour . She hauled him up with her most severe manner , and gave him to understand that he must answer to the president for his conduct . As Mikky had no conception of his offence he went serenely to his fate walking affably beside her , only wishing she would not look so sour . As they crossed the campus to the president 's house a blue jay flew overhead , and a mocking bird trilled in a live oak near-by .