midday
Malcolm journeyed on until two miles further he came to a wood , then , drawing aside from the road , he unyoked the oxen and allowed them to lie down , for they had already made a long journey . Then he woke Thekla , who leaped up gaily on finding that it was broad daylight . Breakfast was eaten , and after a four hours ' halt they resumed their way , Thekla taking her place in the wagon again , and being carefully covered up in such a manner that a passerby would not suspect that anyone was lying under the straw and sacks at one end of the wagon . Just at midday Malcolm heard the trampling of horses behind him and saw a party of cavalry coming along at full gallop . The leader drew rein when he overtook the wagon . `` Have you seen anything , '' he asked Malcolm , `` of two seeming craftsmen , a man and a boy , journeying along the road ? '' Malcolm shook his head .