noon
Out of that an ' into them duds of yourn , double quick , or I 'll sure muss up the front of your face . '' All the gangs groaned , and sighed , and wept , the tears streaming and freezing down their cheeks as they toiled ; and it was patent that their agony was real . The situation was desperate , and Smoke 's prescription was heroic . When the work-gangs came in at noon , they found decently cooked dinners awaiting them , prepared by the weaker members of their cabins under the tutelage and drive of Smoke and Shorty . `` That 'll do , '' Smoke said at three in the afternoon . `` Knock off . Go to your bunks .