noon
But when it was borne past that descent he went more leisurely , knowing it must meet him on the return . Without making the Point , however , the chair was put about toward him . Unable to discover any one so much as suggestive of the plotters , and fearing a mistake , he peered into the front window of the painted box . A woman past the noon of life gave him back in no amiable mood the stare with which he saluted her . There was but one explanation : he should have gone down the wall southwardly . What was to be done ? Give up the chase ?