nearly noon
His smooth face was skillfully covered by a beard , short-cropped , his nose was given the slightest rosy tint , and putting on a light overcoat , the studious young gentleman of half an hour ago was transformed into a howling swell . Tan-colored gloves and a heavy , silver-headed cane completed his costume . Thus arrayed he sallied forth . It was now nearly noon . The streets were crowded , and Sam kept his eyes well opened , carelessly but keenly scrutinizing every man he met . One saloon after another was visited , but no sight of the mysterious men who had downed Chip could be obtained . He had carefully noted his bearings when he left the alley in the morning , so he had no trouble in finding the correct locality again .