noon
`` Not that I calculate there 'll be any trouble , '' he added ; `` we do n't deal much in lawyer 's tricks up here , but it 's just as well to be provided . '' The Elder went to the post-office before breakfast to post this letter . The address did not escape the eyes of the postmaster . Before noon Eben Hill knew that the Elder had written right off by the first mail to a `` Miss Draxy Miller . '' Meantime the Elder was sitting in the doorway of old Ike 's barn waiting for the Frenchman ; ten o'clock came , eleven , twelve -- he did not appear . The Elder 's uneasiness grew great , but he talked on and on till poor Ike was beside himself with delight . At last the distant creak of the wheels was heard .