noon
It was all odd jobs , but he preferred it so , for it enabled him to suit his time to Jim Hazard 's . Each day they boxed and took a long swim through the surf . When Hazard finished his morning 's writing , he would whoop through the pines to Billy , who dropped whatever work he was doing . After the swim , they would take a fresh shower at Hazard 's house , rub each other down in training camp style , and be ready for the noon meal . In the afternoon Hazard returned to his desk , and Billy to his outdoor work , although , still later , they often met for a few miles ' run over the hills . Training was a matter of habit to both men . Hazard , when he had finished with seven years of football , knowing the dire death that awaits the big-muscled athlete who ceases training abruptly , had been compelled to keep it up .