An hour before noon
The expected shipment brought the salesmen and members of the firm much earlier than usual , and Joel was saved all further impatience . Mr. Stoddard was summoned , and the last barrier was lifted in the hearty greeting between the manly boy and a veteran of their mutual occupation . The shipment sold early in the day . An hour before noon , an interested party left the commission office and sauntered forth to watch the beeves cross the scale . It was the parting look of breeder , owner , and factor , and when the average weight was announced , Mr. Stoddard turned to the others . `` Look here , Mr. Joel , '' said he , `` are these the cattle I sold you last summer ? '' `` They carry your brand , '' modestly admitted Joel .