noon
`` Do I look like a fool ? '' `` Appearances are often deceptive . I once knew a fellow who got so slick at gumshoeing that he sneaked up on his own shadow and made a fool of himself . '' `` Got married at high noon , perhaps ? '' `` Mac , seriously , I want you to promise me that you wo n't spring anything without giving me twenty-four hours ' notice . It 's an unusual request , I know ; but I ask it in your own interests . '' There was no mistaking the earnestness with which he spoke , and McAllister stared at him .