noon
It is to be confessed that Sam was not entirely without provocation at the hands of little Steve , for the lad had a truly uncanny cunning hidden in his pencil , by means of which Sam was held up in caricature to the surreptitious joy of his schoolmates . Sam 's departure from school deprived him of the full opportunity he formerly enjoyed of indulging himself in his favourite sport . On this account he took the more eager advantage of any opportunity that offered still to gratify his taste in this direction . Sauntering sullenly homeward from his interview with the boss and with his temper rasped to a raw edge by his father 's wrathful comments upon his `` dommed waggin ' tongue , '' he welcomed with quite unusual eagerness the opportunity for indulging himself in his pastime of baiting Humpy Wicksy whom he overtook on his way home from school during the noon intermission . `` Hello , Humpy , '' he roared at the lad . Like a frightened rabbit Steve scurried down a lane , Sam whooping after him . `` Come back , you little beast .