noon
The nerve of him to try to pick a quarrel that way . '' `` I might have told by his manner that something was wrong , '' commented Tom , `` but I thought he was a fresh tramp and I did n't take any pains in answering him . But come on , Ned , get busy . '' They did , with such good effect that by noon the machinery was in running shape again , and so far there had been no evidence of the return of the spy . Doubtless he was waiting for instructions , and something might happen any minute . `` Now , Ned , if you 'll see to having some gasolene brought out here , and the tanks filled , I 'll tinker with the dynamo and get that in running shape , '' said Tom . `` It only needs a little adjustment of the brushes .