noon
Benito , himself on his way to the house , had found the body , still warm , near the edge of the pecan-grove . He had retained enough sense to telephone at once to Jonesville , and then -- Benito hardly knew what he had done since then , he was so badly shaken by the tragedy . `` What time did it happen ? '' `` It was noon when I came in . '' Dave consulted his watch , and was surprised to discover that it was now only a few minutes past one . It was evident , therefore , that Benito had indeed lost no time , and that his alarm had met with instant response . `` Now tell me , who did it ? ''