noon
`` I told him I would send it as soon as possible , '' `` Did you tell him it would n't go before noon ? '' `` No ; he did n't ask , '' returned the clerk , coolly . He was evidently not going to let any business slip if he could help it . `` Is there any possible way I can get to Chicago before noon ? '' I went on . The clerk shook his head . `` I do n't think there is , '' he replied .