noon
Jason , though always a little self-conscious when alone with his father , was delighted with the idea of the trip . They crossed the Ohio on the ferry and rode rapidly into the West Virginia hills . The minister made a great effort to be entertaining and Jason was astonished at his father 's intimate knowledge of the countryside . `` I do n't see how you remember all the places , father , '' he said at noon , when the minister had turned to a side road to find a farmer whom he wished to greet . `` I had this circuit years ago before you were born , my boy . I know the people intimately . '' `` Do n't you get tired of it ? ''