noon
At last , in his hunger , he could bear the temptation no longer . He descended on the pie . But how it came to be shied through the window , practically intact , half a moment later , was never explained to the waiting crowd . By the time gray noon had come across the mountain desolation to the group of little shanties in the snow , old Jim was thoroughly alarmed . Little Skeezucks was helplessly lying in his arms , inert , breathing with difficulty , and now and again moaning , as only a sick little mite of humanity can . `` We ca n't take him down , '' said the miner , at last . `` He ought to have a woman 's care . ''