noon
`` I do n't know nuthin ' about that . It 's so long ago , I do n't believe they are worth a cent . '' `` Well , it wo n't do any harm to look them over , and show them to Mr. Garwell , '' returned our hero . It was approaching the noon hour , and in honor of Nat 's arrival , Mrs. Balberry prepared an extra good dinner , of which the boy partook freely . It was plainly to be seen that the former widow was the ruler of the house , and that she compelled Abner Balberry to be far more liberal than had been his habit in years gone by . `` Have another piece of pie , Nat , '' said the lady of the house , graciously . `` Thank you , but I 've had enough , '' answered Nat .