noon
Pat had brought a basket of grapes and a great bag of luscious pears against the time when Courtland should have fought his battle and come forth . What those hours of waiting meant to Pat might perhaps be found written in the lives of some of the boys in that school where he coached athletics the next winter . But what they meant to Courtland will only be found written in the records on high . Some time a little after noon there came a peace to Courtland 's troubled soul . When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee , and through the floods they shall not overflow thee ! It was as near to him as whispers in his ear , and peace was all about him . He stood up , looked abroad , saw the beauty of the day , heard the dreaminess of the afternoon coming on , heard louder God 's call to his heart , and knew that there was strength for all his need .