noon
A clever fellow like you will soon find another place . ' By way of laying in a stock of luck for the day , he patted the deformed man 's hump as he spoke , but he awaited the answer with evident concern , for it was fortunate to have a hunch-backed man eat and drink in one 's house ; a hunch-backed woman , on the contrary , always brought evil with her , and should be driven from the door . Cucurullo 's reply was not only of favourable omen , but announced a piece of unexpected good-fortune . ` You are very obliging , ' he said , ` and I shall be glad of a mouthful at noon . As for your kind offer to lend me money , I thank you heartily , but I am well provided , and wish to pay my master 's bill here before accepting your friendly offer of a dinner . My master always trusts me with a few ducats to pay his small expenses . ' The innkeeper congratulated himself on having patted the man 's hump , for it was clear that the good luck which at once befell him could be traced to no other source .