noon before
But he had thirty dollars in his pocket , which he counted over with great satisfaction . `` I ought to be able to get something to do before that is gone , '' he told himself . `` If I do n't , it will be my own fault . '' On the following day it rained early in the morning , so Joe had to wait until noon before he left the old cabin . He took with him all that remained of his possessions , including the precious pocketbook with the thirty dollars . When he thought of the blue box he sighed . `` Perhaps it will never come to light , '' he told himself .