noon
`` If I had anything about me I could sell to get him bread ! '' thought Nello , but he had nothing except the wisp of linen and serge that covered him , and his pair of wooden shoes . Patrasche understood , and nestled his nose into the lad 's hand , as though to pray him not to be disquieted for any woe or want of his . The winner of the drawing-prize was to be proclaimed at noon , and to the public building where he had left his treasure Nello made his way . On the steps and in the entrance-hall was a crowd of youths , -- some of his age , some older , all with parents or relatives or friends . His heart was sick with fear as he went amongst them , holding Patrasche close to him . The great bells of the city clashed out the hour of noon with brazen clamor .