noon
To tell the truth , Jack , he does so well I am afraid he will get my job away from me . I wish you would take the lever again , Jack , and let me fire . I never had so good a time in my life as I did then . '' This was a little past noon , and a few minutes later Jack would be obliged to part with Plum , who must start on his return to St. Resa . `` There is one favor you can do me , Plum . If you will lend me money enough to buy a pair of oxen I will begin to team a cargo of nitrate down myself . I do not feel you will take much risk in letting me have that amount . ''