twelve o'clock sharp
`` The woman looked as though she thought the plump person a little inquisitive , but she smiled and answered , ` My husband used to keep the toll-gate , but since he died I 've kept it . ' `` Captain Abner looked troubled . ` I do n't mind so much waitin ' myself , ' said he , ` but it 's the horse I 'm thinkin ' about . I promised I 'd have him fed at twelve o'clock sharp every day I have him . He 's used to it , and I do n't want him givin ' out afore I 'm through with him . ' '' ` When horses is used to bein ' fed at regular times , ' said the toll-gate woman , ` they do show it if they do n't get fed . But , if you do n't mind , I 've got a little stable back there , and some corn , and if you choose to drive your horse into the yard and give him a feed I 'll charge you jes what anybody else would .