noon
The remainder of the night passed peacefully , the chevalier sleeping but little . At daybreak he descended from his tree , and saw extended at his feet five of his adversaries of the night . He hastened to quit the scene of his exploits , at which he blushed , and , convinced that Devil 's Cliff could not be far off , he resumed his journey . After having walked thus vainly , after his vigil , the gnawing of his stomach , occasioned by a famished feeling , warned him that it was in the neighborhood of noon . His delight may be imagined when the breeze bore to him the delicious odor of roasted meat , so fine , so penetrating , and so appetizing that the chevalier could not prevent himself from passing his tongue across his lips . He redoubled his speed , not doubting , this time , that he had arrived at the end of his troubles . However , he saw no sign of habitation , and knew not how to reconcile this apparent solitude with the exquisite odor which grew more and more tantalizing .