noon, Christmas Day
The conductor told him the train could not stop , but Austin waited to see what would happen . He had no money to stay in a hotel , and he wanted to get to his old home very much anyway . Shortly before they reached the village , the conductor told him the train would stop just outside for water . It was noon , Christmas Day , when Austin stepped from the train at the watering-station just outside his old home village . Oh , the joy of familiar sights ! He felt as if he should like to stoop and kiss the very earth under his feet , he was so glad to be at home again . He had not gone far till he saw familiar faces , but he did not stop , though all were glad to see him back again .