noon
For the first two hours that Riley stood on the floor he pretended to enjoy it . But when recess came and went and Mr. Williams did not send him to his seat , he began to shift from one foot to the other and from his heels to his toes , and to change his slate from the right hand to the left . His class was called , and after recitation he was sent back to his place . He stood it as best he could until the noon recess , but when , at the beginning of the afternoon session , Mr. Williams again called his `` excellent scholar '' and set him up , Riley broke down and said : `` I think you might let me go now . '' `` Are you tired ? '' asked the cruel Mr. Williams . `` Yes , I am , '' and Riley hung his head , while the rest smiled .