noon
said the foster father to himself . `` I was sure the foul spell would be broken through , and that the tardy spirit which besieged him would fly at the sound of the pipe and the first flutter of the brattach ! '' `` Hear me , Lord Marshal , '' said the Constable . `` The hour of combat may not be much longer postponed , for the day approaches to high noon . Let the chief of Clan Chattan take the half hour which remains , to find , if he can , a substitute for this deserter ; if he can not , let them fight as they stand . '' `` Content I am , '' said the Marshal , `` though , as none of his own clan are nearer than fifty miles , I see not how MacGillis Chattanach is to find an auxiliary . '' `` That is his business , '' said the High Constable ; `` but , if he offers a high reward , there are enough of stout yeomen surrounding the lists , who will be glad enough to stretch their limbs in such a game as is expected .