noon
And then after smoking his morning cigar and exchanging jokes with anyone who looked pleasant and happy , he inquired at the desk as to the possibilities of reaching Yimville . He loitered and whistled and hummed while the clerk phoned to the station . `` All right , '' said the clerk , smiling as if bestowing glad news . `` Line up that way will be clear by noon . Wires are down , but that does n't matter to you , I know . You 're still in luck ! '' Jimmy 's hopes went smash , and resignedly he turned away .