midday
Loraine , being an American , did not hesitate to visit the shops in person : something that the native ladies never thought of doing . Hundreds of honest citizens volunteered to join in a search of the hills , but the distinction was denied them . The war department issued official notice to all merchants that their places of business must be decorated properly against the holiday that would occur on the morrow . Shops were to be closed for two hours at midday , during the ceremonies attending the unveiling of the Yetive monument in the Plaza . The merchants might well give their time to decorating their shops ; the soldiers could do all the searching and all the fighting that was necessary . Strict orders , backed by method , were issued to the effect that no one was to pass through the gates during the day , except by special permission from General Braze . Count Vos Engo was eager to accompany the expedition to Dawsbergen in search of his wayward lady-love .