noon
Are the hospitalities well bestowed that meet such return ? or is it not rather selfishness is paid back in the same base coin that it uttered ? '' `` For the matter of that , '' said Dalton , angrily , `` I never found that vulgar people was a bit more grateful than their betters , nor low manners any warranty for high principles ; and when one is to be shipwrecked it 's better to go down in a ` seventy-four ' than be drowned out of a punt in a mill-pond . '' `` It 's past noon already , '' said Hans , pointing to the son-dial on his house . `` There 's little time to be lost . '' `` And as little to be gained , '' muttered Dalton , moodily , as he strolled out into the garden . `` Let me have this paper , '' said Hans ; `` I will see the Herr Kraus myself , and try if something can not be done .