noon
But before he could introduce the subject , his attention was claimed by the news of Aunt Abigail 's mysterious disappearance . As all the girls talked at once , the resulting explanation was somewhat confused , and Jerry gathered the impression that Hobo was being held responsible for driving Aunt Abigail into the pear-tree . Corrected on this point , his face suddenly acquired an expression of extreme seriousness . `` I saw long ` bout noon -- but ` tai n't likely that had anything to do with it . '' `` What was it ? '' cried the girls in chorus , each conscious of a chilly sensation in the neighborhood of the spine . And Amy added fiercely , `` If you know anything , Jerry , tell it quick !