noon
The big cat grew in size and playful confidence . Often it stalked the young man with still foot and lashing tail , leaping stealthily over chairs and , betimes , landing upon Trove 's back . * * * * * * It was a June day , and Trove was at Robin 's Inn . A little before noon Polly and he and the two boys started for Brier Dale . They waded the flowering meadows in Pleasant Valley , crossed a great pasture , and came under the forest roof . Their feet were muffled in new ferns . Their trail wavered up the side of a steep ridge , and slanted off in long loops to the farther valley .