noon
Being a boy of lively imagination , he took to a secrecy so profound , and became so strikingly stealthy , as to excite observation and remark . He was watched and tracked to the barn , and then the discovery came about as a matter of course . The Reddys made much of Joe -- they had no quarrel with an innocent persecuted child -- but their kindness and commiseration were simply darts to throw at Samson . It was noon when Reddy put the trembling adventurer into his trap , and with his own hands drove him home . The two enemies met and glowered at each other . ` I 've found your lad and brought him home , ' said Reddy ; ` though I doubt it 's a cruel kindness to him . ' Samson , with all the gall in his nature burning at his heart , lifted Joe from the trap and set him on the ground in silence .