noon
`` I shall watch out for him , '' returned Ralph . `` He shall not cause me more trouble , if I can help it . '' On the following morning , bright and early , Ralph started out to distribute Mr. Dunham 's circulars . He carried the bulk of them in a canvas bag over his shoulder , and took his lunch with him , in case he was not near home during the noon hour . After leaving a circular at each of a dozen cottages , he came to the stores . `` Hallo , in a new business , eh ? '' remarked Uriah Dicks as he placed one of the bills on the latter 's front counter .