noon
* * * * * As soon as the huge , rambling structure was fairly in sight , I pressed the flat of my hand on the horn button . By the time I came to a locked-wheel halt , with the gravel rattling on my fenders , Mercer was there to greet me . `` It 's ten o'clock , '' he grinned as he shook hands . `` I 'd set noon as the hour of your arrival . You certainly must have made time , Taylor ! '' `` I did ! '' I nodded rather grimly , recalling one or two narrow squeaks .