noon
By a side passage he reached his own quarters , and introduced the Count into a small room , the sleeping chamber of his squire , where he apologized for leaving him for some time ; and , going out , locked the door , for fear , as he said , of intrusion . The demon of suspicion was not very likely to molest a mind so frankly constituted as that of Count Robert , and yet the last action of Hereward did not fail to occasion some painful reflections . `` This man , '' he said , `` had needs be true , for I have reposed in him a mighty trust , which few hirelings in his situation would honourably discharge . What is to prevent him to report to the principal officer of his watch , that the Frank prisoner , Robert , Count of Paris , whose wife stands engaged for so desperate a combat with the Caesar , has escaped , indeed , this morning , from the prisons of the Blacquernal , but has suffered himself to be trepanned at noon , and is again a captive in the barracks of the Varangian Guard ? -- what means of defence are mine , were I discovered to these mercenaries ? -- What man could do , by the favour of our Lady of the Broken Lances , I have not failed to achieve . I have slain a tiger in single combat -- I have killed one warder , and conquered the desperate and gigantic creature by whom he was supported .