noon
`` Jeffrey , '' he called , `` that was a near touch . Sir Priest was minded to stick his Spanish pick-tooth between our ribs , and shrive us afterwards , as we lay dying , to salve his conscience . '' `` Yes , master ; only , being reasonable , he remembered that English swords have a longer reach , and that his bullies are in the Ford ale-house seeing the Old Year out , and so put it off . Master , I have always told you that old October of yours is too strong to drink at noon . It should be saved till bed-time . '' `` What do you mean , man ? '' `` I mean that ale spoke yonder , not wisdom .