noon
And so this was arranged , and Ben went off to prepare for the sleigh-ride . At the appointed hour , the big sleigh came dashing up to the door of the Wadsworth mansion . All of the young folks , including Ben , were on hand and ready for the trip , each bundled up well for protection against the cold . The sun had been shining in the morning , but towards noon it had gone under a heavy bank of clouds . `` Looks a little to me like more snow , '' observed Dunston Porter , who was present to see them depart . `` I should n't be surprised to see you coming back in the midst of another fall . '' `` Oh , Uncle Dunston , do n't say that ! ''