noon
`` There 's yore little calf , '' said he . `` Would you like to have me tote it to you , or do you reckon you could toddle this far with yore little old iron ? '' But if the calf gave much trouble , then all work ceased while the unfortunate puncher wrestled it down . Toward noon the work slacked . Unbranded calves were scarce . Sometimes the men rode here and there for a minute or so before their eyes fell on a pair of uncropped ears . Finally Homer rode over to the Cattleman and reported the branding finished .