noon
`` Many things may happen , '' replied the forester , consolingly . A bright spring day now began ; the sun rose cloudlessly behind the farm-yard , and soon warmed the mist that hung around the walls ; the people sought out the sunny corner of the court ; the men sat in little groups with their wives and children , and all seemed in good heart . Anton went in and out among them . `` We must have patience till noon -- perhaps till the afternoon ; then our troops will come . '' `` If those fellows yonder do no more than at present , '' replied the smith , `` we may be easy enough . They stand there like so many wooden posts . '' `` They lost their courage yesterday , '' said another , contemptuously .