noon
What are we going to do ? There is nothing that we can do but send the strongest column of men that we can spare up into the mountains on the double-quick . We 've got to root out that brown scoundrel , and send him and his band running as fast as they can go , or else we shall be forced to admit to the natives that the claim of the American nation to govern Mindanao is only a stupid joke . Our expedition must start before noon ! '' `` Who will command the column ? '' inquired Captain Freeman . `` You will command , Freeman .