Noon
But Hugh 's grit and determination were just as strong as ever , and he meant to do his level best . If he fell down , why , there were `` Just '' Smith , and Horatio Juggins , as well as two other Scranton fellows , any one of whom might be the winner . So long as the prize fell to a Scranton High boy , it mattered little who carried off the honors , Hugh felt . Noon came at last . Everything was now ready for the opening of the athletic tournament . Chief Wambold kept watch and ward over the grounds , assisted by his entire force of uniformed men . He evidently did not intend that any boy , with a mind that turned to practical joking , should have a chance to exercise his evil propensities unchecked .