noon
asked Jim , in a free and easy manner , as he would have spoken to an equal . `` Well , sonny , it must be nigh on to ten mile . '' `` Wo n't get over afore morning then ? '' `` Do n't expect to , as you see it 's well along in the after noon . '' `` Let 's see -- we 've come over forty mile , hai n't we ? '' `` Yes , Jim , nearer fifty . '' `` Well , we 're that much nearer the settlement , _ that 's _ certain .