noon
observed Ryan , a sudden twinkle appearing in his eye . The inspector explained the meaning of his facetiously garbled quotation when Elder left the table . The proposal he made was greeted with enthusiasm . Work had been started on the branch road itself that morning , and on returning to the telegraph-car at noon the superintendent 's clerk found most of the party there before him , preparing for dinner . An animated debate which was in progress ceased as he entered , and someone exclaimed , `` Here he is now . He 'd soon straighten them up . '' `` What is the trouble , men ? ''