noon
But Granny was expecting him , and he must not disappoint her ; even Callum dared not do that , and Callum dared almost anything else . So the boy leaped down and ran swiftly up the rough little pathway . At his approach the old , weather-beaten door flew open ; and he sprang into a pair of outstretched arms . Outside , the ghostly rampikes , Those armies of the moon , Stood while the ranks of stars drew on To that more spacious noon , -- While over them in silence Waved on the dusk afar The gold flags of the Northern light Streaming with ancient war . -- BLISS CARMAN . Scotty lay stretched before the wide fireplace , his tousled , curly head upon his small , brown hand , his eyes fastened dreamily upon the glowing mass of coals . He was waiting anxiously for the rest of the family to join him .