noon
They had known each other years , these two , and it had been `` Armstrong '' and `` Gordon '' when they addressed each other , or `` ole man '' when Gordon lapsed into the semi-affectionate . To the adjutant 's Southern sense of military propriety `` ole man '' was still possible . `` Armstrong '' would be a soldierly solecism . `` I am to see the General before noon , '' said Armstrong gravely , `` and it 's time I started . If you should hear of your runaway let me know . If you should n't , keep our views to yourself . There 's no use in rousing false hopes . ''