About midday
But it did its work ; and I date from that day a certain increased sort of obstinacy that showed itself even more plainly in his character . One thing or the other must be the effect of such a mood in which -- even though only for an hour or two -- all things other than physical take on themselves an appearance of illusiveness : either the standard is lowered and these things are treated as slightly doubtful ; or the will sets its teeth and determines to live by them , whether they are doubtful or not . And the latter I take to be the most utter form of faith . * * * * * About midday the twine round Frank 's bundle broke abruptly , and every several article fell on to the road . He repressed a violent feeling of irritation , and turned round to pick them up . The Major and Gertie instinctively made for a gate in the hedge , rested down their bundles and leaned against it . Frank gathered the articles -- a shirt , a pair of softer shoes , a razor and brush , a tin of potted meat , a rosary , a small round cracked looking-glass and a piece of lead piping -- and packed them once more carefully together on the bank .