noon
`` As I ca n't very well hog-tie you to get you to town , I suppose you will have to stay . But I _ am _ going to send for Lucy . '' With that parting shot he turned and went in . Lucy arrived shortly before noon . She was accompanied by a portion of her large family -- four , Val counted , including that Sam who had become Ricky 's faithful shadow . `` What 's all dis Ah heah ` bout some mans sayin ' he am de Ralestone ? '' she demanded of Ricky .