noon
There he is now ! '' and as he spoke , the familiar slouching figure of their neighbor came around the corner of a warehouse on the levee . `` Why do n't yer go aboard , boys ? The boat leaves at noon , and it 's past twelve now . I just thought I 'd come down and say good-by-like , for I 'm powerful sorry to have ye go . '' The boys explained to the astonished and grieved Younkins how they had been wrecked , as it were , almost in sight of the home port . The good man nodded his head gravely , as he listened , softly jingled the few gold coins in his trousers pocket , and said : `` Well , boys , this is the wust scald I ever did see .