noon
But do n't grow too crafty . `` I am quite willing for you to send for Thomas , '' he added . `` I think it is a good idea . '' Accordingly , at noon Halse went to the Edwards homestead , bearing an invitation to a fox-digging bee . They , too , were busy with their hoeing , but Mr. Edwards , who was a very good-humored man , gave Thomas permission to join us at two o'clock . When we went out from dinner to our own hoeing , we took along an axe , two spades , a hog-hook to pull out the fox , and a crowbar , also the gun ; and after working two hours in the corn-field , we set off across the fields and pastures for the fox burrow , just as Thomas came running across lots to join us . `` Mother 's glad to have me go , '' said he .