morning, noon
But they are broad-minded people of Turntable , and let him go on condition that he stay away . And ' t is on this same day Dan Regan catches the stride that shall make destiny for railroads , and lands his great job with the P. D. System . All of two months after Molly 's funeral -- in fact the very morning of Dan Regan 's departure from Barlow and the Great Southwest Railroad to take his position as general manager of the P. D. -- a ragged gossoon with a scar over his temple peeps from the box car of a through train halted for a change of engines near the depot platform . It is Tim Cannon , surprised every morning at waking to find himself out of the den of the city slums , where morning , noon and night his grandfather -- being in liquor at the time -- would drive him out to steal some trifle good for a drink at the pawnbroker 's saloon . And having no knowledge that a living is to be gained by a more honorable profession than crime he peeps out with suspicion on the open streets and yards , where it is impossible to hide from a patrolman . But hunger drives him out into the open , snarling under his breath ; and presently toward the depot lunch stand , groaning under the weight of sinkers and pies , Timothy is making his way by fits and starts and glancing suspicion in every direction . So that he is overcome with chagrin when in spite of all his caution a young man steps from behind the car unnoticed and taps him smartly on the shoulder .