noon
`` Yes , and see what he 's stood to-day , '' said Merritt . `` Many a boy who boasts of having lots of nerve would have shrunk from doing what he has . Tubby 's all right , and that 's a fact . But it 's high noon , and I warrant you he 's feeling mighty hungry . '' `` He would , under ordinary conditions , '' said Rob , `` but just now I do n't believe any of us could eat a mouthful . I know the very thought of it makes me feel queer . '' `` That 's because we 're not used to such sights and sounds , '' Merritt explained .