noon
I do n't know nothing about that branch , sir . '' I saw a grateful light mount up in Joe 's gloomy eyes as I spoke thus upon his side of the question . He said nothing , however ; and his cousin volunteering no further information , I did not push any advantage I might have gained . At noon I made them leave their work , and come home with me to have their dinner ; they hoped to finish the job before dusk . Harry Cobb and I dropped behind , and Joe Harper walked on in front , apparently sunk in meditation . Scarcely were we out of the churchyard , and on the road leading to the rectory , when I saw the sexton 's daughter meeting us . She had almost come up to Joe before he saw her , for his gaze was bent on the ground , and he started .