noon
`` Fareweel , mother ! -- fareweel ! '' he again cried , and the sentinel conducted her from the apartment . It again drew towards noon . The loud gong again sounded , and Simon sank upon his knees in despair , as the voice of the warder was heard crying -- `` It is the hour ! prepare the prisoners for execution ! '' Again the prison-door was opened , and Sir Gideon , with wrath upon his brow , stood before them .