noon
`` It is well your excellency says that , since no man can say aught against my gallantry . And if it be to put it to this test , then I stick to your excellency , if he go to the devil . '' They now returned and took breakfast with the priest , receiving his blessing when it was over , and then proceeded to make preparations for the journey . WHEN it was high noon , the usually quiet town of Buzabub was suddenly thrown into a state of great commotion . Horns were sounded , reeds blown , and bells jingled . In fine , so many and various were the ways in which homage was paid to the departure of the `` great ambassador , '' that it would be impossible to enumerate them in this history . A messenger now entered the priest 's house to announce the readiness of the train ; and as his reverence had prepared his saddle-bags and umbrella , and laid in a good stock of provisions , he led the way into the street , followed by the general and his secretary .