midday
If the splinter were put into the house-father 's hand , he must send it on at once to the next freeman 's house . If he were away , it was stuck into his house-door , or into his great chair by the fireside , and woe to him if , on his return , he sent it not on likewise . All through Kesteven went that night the arrow-splinters , and with them the whisper , `` Hereward is come again ! '' And before midday there were fifty well-armed men in the old camping-field outside the town , and Hereward haranguing them in words of fire . A chill came over them , nevertheless , when he told them that he must return at once to Flanders . `` But it must be , '' he said . He had promised his good lord and sovereign , Baldwin of Flanders , and his word of honor he must keep .