noon
The jewels had been identified by his father and by himself , although an identification was scarcely necessary as Harold had distinctly said : ` They are the Tracy diamonds , and the person who gave them , to me said so . ' But who was the person ? That was the question puzzling the heads of all the Shannondale people as the morning wore on , and each went where he liked . At last , toward noon , Tom found himself near Harold in front of the court-house , and going up to him , said : ` Hal , I wa n't to talk to you a little while . ' ` Yes , ' Hal said , assentingly , and selecting out a retired corner , Tom began : ` Hal , I 've never shown any great liking for you , and I do n't s ` pose I have any , but I do n't like to see a man kicked for nothing , and so I came over with the rest . ' ` Thank you , Tom , ' Harold replied , ` I do n't think you ever did like me , and I do n't think I cared if you did n't , but I 'm glad you came . Is that all you wished to say to me ? '