noon
For , really , I never would have believed a family _ could _ act like the Barlows . They are out of proportion _ every _ way , but , after all , I ca n't help loving them , for they are such dear , kind people , and they _ mean _ to do right , only they never do anything . '' But as the next day was Thursday , and some things _ had _ to be done , everybody began to hustle and bustle and fly around generally . Uncle Ted sent to New York by a special messenger for a tent , and a lot of lanterns and gay bunting , and succeeded in getting them soon after noon . Then he and Bob and old Dil put the tent up , and hung the lanterns along the veranda and among the trees . Nan drove all around the country trying to find a cook to assist Hopalong , but as none was to be found , Aunt Grace had to go down to the kitchen and make some of the cakes herself . Nan and Bumble made sandwiches and squeezed lemons , and somehow the time slipped away until it was four o'clock , and the house was not yet decorated and the ice cream had n't arrived from New York .