noon
`` I do not know , '' said Houston , `` that either he or I consider that we are particular friends , though we are friendly enough , but I have learned this about Morgan ; that whatever his principles , or his manner of life may be , he is far less to be blamed than people would ordinarily suppose . '' `` Well , '' said Haight , rising , `` Morgan and I have been together , off and on , for the last three years , but I do n't know anything about him except just what I have seen for myself , what anybody can see ; of course his way is n't my way , but then , we do n't any of us think alike , and I 've never had any fault to find with him , and we 've got along together first rate . I suppose , '' he continued , `` you will give directions in the morning for that fellow and his machines , for it is n't likely that Morgan will be around much before ten o'clock . '' `` Very well , '' said Houston , `` I will be up early and will see that one of the six-horse teams is at the Y to meet him , and I can get through at the mines in season to be at the office by the time he will reach there ; he probably will not get up before noon , with all that load . '' Happening to glance toward Lyle , as Haight withdrew , Houston read in her eyes , in their look of eager expectancy , and the firm determination expressed in her face , that she fully understood the meaning of what had passed . It was equally evident that Miss Gladden had received no hint of the situation , for at almost the same instant she inquired : `` Is Mr. Van Dorn going to erect one of his reducing machines here ? '' Houston answered in the affirmative .