noon
As I dropped to sleep , the phrase recurred again and again : `` You are a brave and very gallant gentleman . '' That , -- maybe , -- but after all a poor and humble gentleman working for wages in a country store ; -- so , why worry ? Next morning , although it was not the day any steamer was due , I ran the white flag to the top of the pole at the point of the rocks , in the hope that Rita would see it and take it as a signal that I wished to speak with her ; and so save me a trip across , for I expected some of the men from the Camps and I never liked to be absent or to keep them waiting . Just before noon , Rita presented herself . `` Say , George ! -- what 's the rag up for ? Did you forget what day of the week it was , or is it your birthday ?