noon
In a short time both women appeared on their porches again : `` They have not been to the stable this morning , '' said Miss Minerva uneasily , `` and Sam went to Memphis on the excursion train . '' `` And they are not with Lina or Frances , '' -- Mrs. Garner 's face wore an anxious look , `` I declare I never saw two such children . Still , I do n't think we need worry as it is nearly dinner time , and they never miss their meals , you know . '' But the noon hour came and with it no hungry little boys . Then , indeed , did the relatives of the children grow uneasy . The two telephones were kept busy , and Mr. Garner , with several other men on horseback , scoured the village . Not a soul had seen either child .