noon
Then , by a simple operation , which even she understood , Jack surprised her . He first measured the distance of his line from the jamb . Then he set off two points , on the same side , at the same distance from the line , farther along on the floor . Then through these points he drew a second line , parallel to the first , and touching the corner of the jamb , by which the noon shadow was to be cast . Into this new line Jack sank his noon-mark with a knife . `` There , '' said he , `` is a true noon-mark , which will last as long as your house does , '' -- a prediction which , by a very astonishing occurrence , was to be proved false that very afternoon . `` I reckon the woman is satisfied , '' said the old man ; `` anyhow , I be ; an ' now what 's the tax for this yer little scratch on the floor ? ''