noon
`` I 'm right glad of that , '' remarked Thad , `` for d'ye know , Maurice , I 'd sure hate to see any more prisoners in the hands of that posse . '' `` Reckon there would n't be much danger o ' that , '' remarked George , with a significant nod , which Maurice took to mean that if caught those black criminals might meet with a short shrift . He could hardly believe that , however , since Sheriff Jerrold was a duly authorized officer of the law and sworn to see it carried out in the proper manner . They arrived at the river before noon . `` There she is ! '' exclaimed Thad , eagerly pointing , and George saw that it was a little squatty shanty-boat he meant . `` Why , I hope you did n't think anybody would be so mean as to steal our Tramp ? ''