noon
Peakslow asked . `` O , I do n't charge anything for a little job like this , -- to one of Mr. Betterson 's neighbors . '' `` That 's jes ' so ; he did n't charge me nary red , '' said Mr. Wiggett . `` An ' he 's done the job for me now tew times , -- fust time , the tornado come and put the noon-mark out o ' j' int , ` fore ever a noon come round . '' Jack adjusted his compass , while the house-raisers looked on , to see how the thing was done , Peakslow appearing as much interested as anybody . Jack got Link to make the first marks for him on the floor , and laughed , as he looked through the sights of the compass , to hear Mr. Wiggett describe the finding of his section corner , -- `` runnin ' a line plumb to the old stake , out on the open perairie , '' -- and praise the boy-surveyor 's skill . The mark was made with quickness and precision ; friends and strangers crowded around Jack with kind words and questions ; and he was surprised to find himself all at once a person of importance .