About noon
He was her only son , and she was a widow . `` I must send her good news as soon as possible , '' he thought . `` That will cheer her up . '' About noon Herbert reached the city . He had formed no particular plan , except to find Cornelius Dixon , who would doubtless be able to advise him about getting a place , perhaps would have influence enough to procure him one . He did not know where to look for Cornelius , but concluded that his name would be in the city directory . He entered a small liquor store , which he happened to pass , and walked up to the counter .