noon
What has become of that wonderful red friend of yours ? '' `` Tayoga ? He has gone into the forest to see how soon we can expect Tandakora , De Courcelles and the Indian host . '' The Onondaga returned at dawn , saying that no attack need be feared before noon , as the Indian bands were gathering at an appointed place , and would then advance in great force . `` They 'll find us gone by a good six hours , '' said Willet , `` and we must make every minute of those six hours worth an ordinary day , because the warriors , wild at their disappointment , will follow , and at least we 'll have to beat off their vanguard . It 's lucky all these people are used to the forest . '' Just as the first rim of the sun appeared they were ready .