noon
Since the war , game about the lake had increased greatly , and the warriors , whether attached to the French army or roving at their own will , relied chiefly upon the forest for food . But the reports were significant . The Indian ring about them was not broken , and he measured their own supplies of venison and hominy . A little after noon Tayoga awoke , and he awoke in the Indian fashion , without the noise of incautious movements or sudden words , but stepping at once from complete sleep to complete consciousness . Every faculty in him was alive . `` I have slept long , Great Bear , and it is late , '' he said . `` But not too late , Tayoga .