noon
Perhaps , it 's because I 'm partial to being in her neighborhood myself . There goes the bell -- I 'll be here at 4:30 sharp . '' Chicken Little was not the only unfortunate that afternoon . Two small boys were late at noon and Miss Brown set them all to writing long lists from their spellers as soon as the other children filed out . Chicken Little watched the clock anxiously , starting up at every distant tinkle of sleigh bells . It was a glorious clear crisp afternoon and the jingle of bells sounded at frequent intervals . Her excitement rose as half-past four approached .