noon
Many of our men slept ; if ever a wayfarer crossed the bridge hard by he was stopped , gagged , and trussed in a rope 's end . But wayfarers were few , and all were wandering afoot . I was sorry for two lasses , who crossed on some business of their farm , but there was no remedy . These diversions passed the time till nigh noon , when I whispered to Xaintrailles that I saw clouds of dust -LRB- the roads being very dry -RRB- a league away . He sent Barthelemy and another to waken any that slept , and bade all be ready at a word . Now there came shouts on the wind , cries of venerie , loud laughter , and snatches of songs . And now , up in my perch , I myself broke into a laugh at that I saw .