noon
The two boys almost groaned . `` But something may turn up , '' continued Colonel Howell , `` and I 'll be enough to look after things . You boys had better take a run over town . If I do n't see you at noon , I 'll see you at dinner this evening . '' The boys returned to the hotel , found that Mr. Zept and his son had finally gone out with friends , and they put in the rest of the day inspecting the lively young city . Colonel Howell 's acquaintances were not confined to the Northwest -- he also had friends in Winnipeg . After leaving the contractors ' offices , he went to the Dominion Telegraph Building and sent this message to a business friend in Winnipeg : `` Please see the Canada Northern officials and tell them that I am stranded in Edmonton with a party of friends and would like to get to Athabasca Landing . ''