noon
Tom was anxious to learn about the Lanings , and was told that they were all at home and doing finely . `` Nellie and Grace are going on a visit to an aunt at Timber Run after the holidays , '' said Dora . `` They wanted me to go along , but I did n't care to leave mamma , and we did n't wish to lock up the house for fear some tramps might break in and rob us . '' After breakfast Sam said he felt like sitting up , but toward noon his chest began to hurt him again , and Mrs. Stanhope said it would be best that somebody go for a doctor . Dick and Tom both volunteered , but it was finally decided that Dick should go alone , on horseback . A steed was soon saddled , and off Dick rode , wrapped in his overcoat and with an old fur cap pulled well down over his ears . It had now stopped snowing , so the weather was not quite as unpleasant as it had been .