noon
Not a familiar or friendly face could the new-comers find , but instead , they saw many that seemed to take pleasure in making them feel , if possible , still more ill at ease , by fixing upon them a cold , indifferent stare , or even an ugly grimace . The only ray of light was that which came from the sweet countenance of a blue-eyed , fair-haired boy , who , catching Bert 's eye , nodded pleasantly at him , as though to say , `` I 'm glad you 've come ; make yourself at home . '' And Bert resolved that he would make his acquaintance at the very first opportunity . Having nothing to do but watch the other boys as they studied and recited , the morning dragged along very slowly for Bert and Frank , and they were immensely relieved when the noon recess was announced , and the whole school poured tumultuously out into either the yard or the street , according to their preference . The majority of the boys went into the street , and the two friends followed them , feeling not a little anxious as to what sort of treatment they might expect at the hands of their new companions . As it proved , however , they had nothing to fear , for it was an unwritten law of the Johnston school , that new boys should be left in peace for the first day ; and accordingly Frank and Bert were permitted to stand about and watch the others enjoying themselves without interruption . No one asked them to join in the games , although , no doubt , had they done so of their own accord , no one would have objected .