noon
Meanwhile the work of clearing off the logs was prosecuted with increasing spirit and resolution . And so eagerly intent had all the hands become , in pressing forward to its completion their self-imposed task , which all could see was now fast drawing to a close , that they took no note of the flight of time , and were consequently taken by surprise when the sound of the horn summoned them to their midday meal . `` Why ! it ca n't yet be noon , '' exclaimed one , glancing up at the sun . `` No '' responded another . `` Some of us here have been counting on seeing the whole job nearly done by noon , but it will take three hours yet to do that . No , the women must have made a mistake . ''