noon
So they repeated the words , speaking with one voice . `` Your answer , O Macumazana , '' he said when they had spoken . `` O King , I have told you that I will go -- though I do not like war -- and I will keep my promise , '' I replied . `` Then make ready , Macumazahn , and be back here within an hour , for the regiment marches ere noon . '' So I went up to my wagons and handed them over to the care of some men whom Panda had sent to take charge of them . Also Scowl and I saddled our horses , for this faithful fellow insisted upon accompanying me , although I advised him to stay behind , and got out our rifles and as much ammunition as we could possibly need , and with them a few other necessaries . These things done , we rode back to the gathering-place , taking farewell of the wagons with a sad heart , since I , for one , never expected to see them again .