noon
I tell you , Chad , we 're getting home ! '' He closed his eyes and drew the sweet air in as though he were drinking it down like wine . His eyes were sparkling when he opened them again and there was a new color in his face . On they drifted until , toward noon , the black column of smoke that meant the capital loomed against the horizon . There Mrs. Dean was waiting for them , and Chad turned his face aside when the mother took her son in her arms . With a sad smile she held out her hand to Chad . `` You must come home with us , '' Mrs. Dean said , with quiet decision .