noon
As they halted at the door , they glanced back and saw that their neighbors of the next seat were following them . The two men were still talking ; and coming to a stand behind the boys , the latter caught a further remark from Burke apparently referring to the Potter farm deal . '' ... wrote asking him to town this evening , '' he was saying . `` I 'll give him a bit of a good time to-night , and put him up at one of the hotels -- and , unless something unexpected happens , I 'll guarantee I 'll have the thing put through by noon to-morrow . '' `` I hope you do , '' responded his companion . `` And I hope you do n't ! '' exclaimed Jack beneath his breath .