noon
Chris muttered , as the crowds below swelled and grew . Boys climbed upon one another 's shoulders , teakwood stools were brought for the richer people to stand on , and along the street that led away to the right around the palace walls , Chris and Amos could see embroidered silks hung from all the windows , and Chinese people in their best holiday clothes laughing excitedly . All were looking toward the gates , and at last , from far within , even more distantly than before , came the first sound of trumpets . These had a sweeter , clearer sound than those the boys had heard at noon . `` Never heard a sweeter note , '' Amos said . `` Might be made of silver , ` way they sound . '' The boys counted , and twelve times the low , lovely notes swung out on the air .