noon
* * * * * It was on the day preceding the great summer sheep fair at Grammoch-town that he fulfilled his vow . That is always a big field-day at Kenmuir ; and on this occasion James Moore and Owd Bob had been up and working on the Pike from the rising of the sun . Throughout the straggling lands of Kenmuir the Master went with his untiring adjutant , rounding up , cutting out , drafting . It was already noon when the flock started from the yard . On the gate by the stile , as the party came up , sat M'Adam . `` I 've a word to say to you , James Moore , '' he announced , as the Master approached . `` Say it then , and quick .