noon before
About it stretched the untouched prairie , all purpling over with morning-glories . The tent opened toward the river , and was flanked on one side by a pile of short pickets , their tops dipped the colour of the canvas , their bases nicely sharpened for the plotting out of ground . Near by , thrown flat , was a wide board sign , which read , in staring blue letters : `` AL BRADEN , REAL ESTATE . '' It was well on toward noon before the tent showed life . Then there emerged from it a bulky man of middle age , who dusted at his high boots as he came , stretched , drawing his long coat snug , and settled an elaborate vest . He completed his costume by donning a black hat that was of wool , and floppy . Then , thumbs tucked in armholes , he strolled away toward the Lancasters ' .