noon
Like Saul of Tarsus he had been stricken in the way , and ever afterward , whenever and wherever he saw his country 's flag , his soul responded to the sight , and thrilled with memories of that April day when first he discovered that rare quality of patriotism that had hitherto lain dormant in his breast . So he walked on down to the railroad station in Chestnut Valley , and went into the waiting-room and sat down . It was very lonely there and it was very tiresome waiting for the train . At noon he went out to a bakery and bought for himself a light luncheon . As he was returning to the depot he came suddenly upon Aleck Sands , who had had his dinner and was starting back to school . There was no time for either boy to consider what kind of greeting he should give to the other . They were face to face before either of them realized it .