noon
`` Yes , '' he said , nervously , `` we must get away from here at once . Do you know the trail to the north ? '' The head-man did , and he lost no time in getting the safari upon the march . It was noon when a tired and sweat-covered runner overtook the trudging little column . The man was greeted with shouts of welcome from his fellows , to whom he imparted all that he knew and guessed of the actions of their master , so that the entire safari was aware of matters before Baynes , who marched close to the head of the column , was reached and acquainted with the facts and the imaginings of the black boy whom Malbihn had deserted in the clearing the night before . When the Hon. Morison had listened to all that the boy had to say and realized that the trader had used him as a tool whereby he himself might get Meriem into his possession , his blood ran hot with rage and he trembled with apprehension for the girl 's safety . That another contemplated no worse a deed than he had contemplated in no way palliated the hideousness of the other 's offense .