noon
Larry had gone into ecstasies when enjoying the meal ; which was eaten while on the way down the river ; the coming of Barker and his following having started the expedition suddenly . And many times during that day had Larry referred to the great luck that had befallen him during his grand hunt . He would never cease to plume himself on having actually bagged that king bird of the American forest , and which is usually so timid that only the most experienced hunter can secure such a trophy . `` And , '' he would say , as he picked a drumstick at noon with the keenest of relish , `` our good luck did n't stop with my having bagged the gobbler , either . '' `` That 's a fact , '' Phil had remarked ; `` our coming on the spot had considerable to do with this lunch we 're making right now . Because , only for that , it might be a funeral feast instead of a joy spread , eh , Larry ? '' `` Well , that 's just about right , Phil , '' the fat youth had replied , turning just a shade paler than usual , although on account of his rosy hue this fact could hardly be noticed , to tell the truth ; `` but I was n't thinking of that ; and please do n't mention it too often , for it 's apt to take my appetite away . ''