noon
A sudden flush deepened on his ruddy cheeks and he continued : `` Of course you are going to the picnic ? You 'll have to start early . It 's a goodish way to ` The Cottonwoods . ' The Sunflower Ranch needs my talents , so I ca n't go with the crowd , but I may draggle in about high noon . I 'll drive over in the buggy , and I 'll try to snake some pretty girl off the wagons to ride home with me when it 's all over . '' `` Maybe the pretty girls will all be preempted before you get there , '' Leigh replied . `` I know one that I hope wo n't be , '' Thaine said .