noon
`` Please hurry up your stumps , Thad ! '' called Davy , who was wild with eagerness to get moving ; for he had envied those who were allowed to go to the island on the preceding day , and felt anxious to set foot on the enchanted ground , where mysterious strangers seemed to have their abode , yet could not be found . `` That 's all I wanted to say , Allan , '' the scout-master concluded ; `` and as Davy will have one of his fits soon , if I do n't get off , I reckon I 'll start . If we fail to show up at noon , why , do n't worry . Nothing is going to hurt any of us , that I can see . '' The rest of the scouts gathered at the water 's edge to see them embark on the exploring expedition ; and all sorts of chaffing was indulged in between Davy and some of his camp mates . Bumpus in particular was so pleased over not having been drafted to go in the cranky canoe that he seemed to be just bubbling over with exuberant spirits .