noon
Two or three times Jerry got up , and they started as if to quit the village , but each time the chief called them back . So animated were their gestures and talk that Tom had serious fears that they were coming to blows , but their voices soon fell and the talk became amicable again . At last Jerry turned to Tom . `` The bargain is struck , '' he said ; `` but he has got the best of me , and has charged an outrageous sum for them , '' Then , in his own language , he said to the chief : `` At noon to-morrow you will send the ponies down to the town . I will meet them at the big rock , half a mile this side of it , with the trade goods . '' `` They shall be there , '' the chief said , `` though I am almost giving them to you . '' As they walked away , Tom said : `` So you have paid more than you expected , Jerry ? ''