noon
`` But see yonder , '' he said to François Bastarack his companion , as they stood and watched the messengers tramp away . He pointed to Klussman below the fort -- poor Klussman whom the pearly vapors of morning could not conceal . `` I could have done that myself in first heat , but I like not treating with a man who did it coolly . '' Parleying and demurring over the terms of surrender continued until noon . All that time ax , saw and hammer worked in D'Aulnay 's camp as if he had suddenly taken to ship-building . But the pastimes of a victorious force are regarded with dull attention by the vanquished . Finally the papers were handed up bearing D'Aulnay 's signature .