noon
`` We 've got a lot to do and we 'd better get going at once . '' The boys started off at a brisk pace and soon found themselves in the part of the village where the stores were located . They made the rounds , Lester making the purchases and having them wrapped up for him and his friends to call for and carry back later on . They met several of Lester 's friends and the time passed so quickly that they were surprised when they found that it was past noon . `` Time to eat ! '' exclaimed Teddy . `` Think of me passing up lunch time like that !