noon
Though they had already eaten theirs , they accepted Mrs. Green 's invitation to sit at the table and have some griddlecakes and maple syrup . `` If you boys are going to pick currants you 'll want a good , big breakfast , '' she told them . There was no doubt that they agreed with her . `` If they 're as lively at picking as they are at eating you 'll have all the currants in the kitchen by noon , '' Farmer Green remarked to his wife with a laugh as the boys trooped off toward the barn with their tin pails . A few minutes later a noise as of terrific pounding reached the ears of Farmer Green as he stood talking with his wife . `` What 's that ? '' he muttered .