noon
I shall make it my business to see the Hatfields personally and learn , if possible , how a stranger like that boy who came here with you , Ruth , could have obtained Mr. Hatfield 's old wallet . '' `` He had some deep interest in the mystery of this shooting , '' declared Ruth , and she told the merchant of the newspaper clipping that had dropped out of the old wallet when she had undertaken to dry the boy 's clothing at the Red Mill . Meanwhile , the other young folks were highly delighted over the possibilities for fun at Snow Camp . Tom and his friends did not pay much attention to what was inside the great log house ; but before noon they knew all that was to be done outside and were unhappy only because they did not know which to do first . In addition , Busy Izzy had exhausted himself and every man about the place , asking questions ; and finally Tom and Bob gagged him with his own handkerchief and threatened to tie him up and not give him any dinner if he did not stop it . `` But _ do _ let him ask for a second helping to pudding , boys , '' urged the kind-hearted Heavy . `` It 's going to be fine -- I had a taste of the dough .