noon
`` Yes , '' said Laddie with more confidence , as he thought of his kind and thoughtful father . `` I am sure he will , Vi . Daddy would n't leave us alone on the railroad with no place to go and nothing to eat . '' At this Vi was reminded that they had not eaten since breakfast , and although it was not yet noon , she declared that she was starving ! `` You ca n't be starving yet , '' Laddie told her , with scorn . `` We have n't been lost from the train long enough for you to be starving , Violet Bunker . '' `` Well , Laddie , I just know we will starve here if the train does n't come back for us . ''