noon
`` Now , by your leave , mistress , I will wait here the hour or two till nightfall . I am Englishman enough to know that your folk do not strike in the dark . '' He returned to Highstead unscathed , and a week later came a message from Aelward . `` Meet me , '' it ran , `` to-morrow by the Danes ' barrow at noon , and we will know whether Englishman or Frenchman is to bear rule in this land . '' Jehan donned his hauberk and girt himself with his long sword . `` There will be hot work to-day in that forest , '' he told Arn , who was busied with the trussing of his mail . `` God prosper you , master , '' said the steward .