morning, noon
They had not remained very long with their father , fearing to excite him too much . Aunt Martha had , as usual , had a very fine repast prepared for them , and to this , it is perhaps needless to state , the youths did full justice . `` It 's a grand good thing that we have Aleck Pop with us , '' went on Sam , referring to the colored man , who , in years gone by , had been a waiter at Putnam Hall , but who was now firmly established as a member of the Rover household . `` Aunt Martha says he waits on dad , hand and foot ; morning , noon and night . '' `` Well , Aleck ought to be willing to do something for this family in return for all we have done for him , '' answered Tom . Despite the excitement of the day , the two boys slept soundly . But they were up at an early hour , and , after breakfast , took a walk around the farm in company with their Uncle Randolph , who wished to show them the various improvements he had made .