noon
Julius was observing him , and seemed to divine his doubt . `` You need have no hesitation , '' said he . `` I ask you only for twelve hours . You can easily get back here by noon to-morrow . There is a south-west wind blowing , with every prospect of settled weather . I am quite certain about it . '' Fortified with that assurance , Lefevre put on a thicker overcoat and an old soft hat , turned out the lights in the dining-room and in the hall , closed the door with a slam , and stood with the new , the strange Julius in the street , fairly embarked upon his adventure .