noon
It was joy to be alive ; there was wine enough in the air ; and Crailey made up his mind not to take a drink that day -- the last day ! The last day ! The three words kept ringing through his head like a minor phrase from a song . Tomorrow , at noon , they would be churning down the river ; and this was the last day -- the last day ! `` Still not too late to make another friend at home , '' he said , stopping to pat the head of a mangy street cur that came crouching and wobbling toward him like a staveless little keg worried by scurries of wind . Dogs and children always fell in love with Crailey at first sight , and he never failed to receive them in the spirit of their approach . Now the mongrel , at his touch , immediately turned himself over and lay upon the pavement with all paws in air , to say : `` Great lord , magnificent in the graciousness which deigns to cast a glimpse upon this abject cluster of ribs , I perceive that your heart is too gentle to kick me in my present helplessness ; yet do with me as you will . ''