about noon
Checkers ' heart was in his mouth . Instantly his resolution was taken . Out into the street he followed Brown . With the furtive care of a Hackshaw he shadowed him in and out of hotels and saloons , until about noon they brought up at a restaurant , where Checkers modestly seated himself at a table behind Brown and ordered a light repast . But Brown was hungry , and Checkers had ample time to think the thing over . `` I 'm in luck at last , '' he soliloquized . `` Stand a tap on the mare !