noon
Here Mrs. Brewster interpolated : `` We may serve all of our friends a good turn by receiving these strangers with the same western welcome that we extend to every one . But let us not give any one else here a hint of what we now know . '' Tom agreed that this was a wise plan , so no one suspected there was an under-current of excitement running in the elder Brewsters ' and Tom 's thoughts , during the time that must elapse before the New York `` representatives '' could arrive at Pebbly Pit . Meanwhile , Mr. Maynard met Anne and John in Denver , and the three took the noon local for Oak Creek . Polly and Eleanor were busy helping Barbara pack her five trunks to have them ready for the ranch-wagon to take to the station on Saturday , when Tom offered to drive in and meet the train from Denver . This done , and Tom on his way , the two girls wondered what next they could do until the return of the party from Oak Creek . `` I say !