noon
Sparks ` oped as ` ow it did n't ` urt the gentleman . The gentleman stanched his wound in terrible silence . Presently Ferdinand came back to report upon the availability of the family plumber . It appeared that all plumbers , locksmiths , and similar indispensable and free-born artisans had closed shop at noon and would not reopen until after New Year 's , subject to the Constitution of the United States . `` But this gentleman can not remain here until after New Year 's , '' said Sacharissa . `` He says he is in a hurry . Do you hear , Sparks ? ''