noon
I 'm beginning to think something has happened -- '' `` An accident ? '' `` Possibly . But of course we ca n't tell . But it is n't like them to be late when they promised to be back by noon . '' `` But then , if an accident has happened to one , the other could always come back and let us know , '' Alf answered ; and his chum returned -- `` That 's just what I 've been thinking . I do n't want to frighten you , old man , but I ca n't help thinking that something has gone wrong with both . '' `` Perhaps it 's the canoe .