noon
How crisp and clean and strong it felt ! Blushing at his own foolishness , he lifted the cowboy 's gift to his lips and kissed it . THE first Sunday in September was a day that Johnnie was never to forget . Big Tom , Grandpa , Cis , and he -- all were gathered about the kitchen table for the noon meal when Father Pat and One-Eye came in , the Father without his usual cheery greeting , though there was nothing downcast in his look or manner . On the contrary , something of pride was in his step , slow as that step was , and also in his glance , which instantly sought out Johnnie . The face of the cowboy , however , was stern , and that single eye , greener than either -- or both -- of the Father 's , was iron-hard and coldly averted . As the hall door shut at their backs , the priest raised his right hand in a gesture which was partly a salutation , partly a blessing .