noon
In this wise the winter passed with its usual mingling of work and play . Coasting , hockey , snow hikes , and the like mixed healthfully with regular lessons , the bird-feeding , studying up for merit badges or first - or second-class tests , and other scout duties and activities . The skating , particularly , was unusually prolonged , and the first signs of March thaws met with general regret . `` Well , we can have one more good game , anyhow , '' remarked Frank Sanson , as they came out of school at noon . `` Maybe it will be a little soft , but it will bear all right . Who 's going out ? '' There were a number of affirmative replies , though the general opinion seemed to be that the ice would be too sloppy to have much fun .