noon
`` I presume you mean that you would quarrel with me , '' said Barrows , blustering up . `` I have no objection in the world , but not in a lady 's presence , '' said Ted , turning from him carelessly . `` I do n't like your attitude at all , Mr. Strong , '' said the colonel . `` That is not my idea of army discipline , in fact , sir -- '' `` Excuse me , colonel , '' said an officer , bustling up , `` do n't forget that to-morrow is beef-issue day to the Indians , and that we must have three hundred head before noon to-morrow . There is not a hoof in the government pasture . '' Barrows was trying to attract the other officer 's attention with vigorous shakes of his head , which Ted , although his back was toward Barrows , saw reflected in the window . What could the matter be ?