noon
But she added : `` The men will stick to work , now , I think -- or most of them , at any rate . Perhaps you and Mr. Temple can do something to shorten it -- to lessen the amount . '' Then , turning to Bob , she issued her orders : `` Bring the hog , Bob , as quickly as you can . There 's barely time to roast it , before noon . '' The men had nearly all had their breakfasts now , so that the making of griddle cakes had about ceased . Hallam , Duncan , and the young engineer , Temple , taking new courage from Barbara 's report concerning the disposition of the men , were going about among the gangs , wading knee deep in water and mud , and giving such directions as were needed . Duncan , especially , was rendering service .