noon
Then came a third , a sturdy old officer of the army , girded with a rapier at least a foot and a half beyond her Majesty 's pleasure ; at him they raised a great shout , and most of the spectators -LRB- but especially those who were armourers or cutlers -RRB- laughed very heartily at the breakage which would ensue . But they were disappointed ; for the old campaigner , coolly unbuckling his sword and bidding his servant carry it home again , passed through unarmed , to the great indignation of all the beholders . They relieved themselves in some degree by hooting a tall blustering fellow with a prodigious weapon , who stopped short on coming in sight of the preparations , and after a little consideration turned back again . But all this time no rapier had been broken , although it was high noon , and all cavaliers of any quality or appearance were taking their way towards Saint Paul 's churchyard . During these proceedings , Master Graham had stood apart , strictly confining himself to the duty imposed upon him , and taking little heed of anything beyond . He stepped forward now as a richly-dressed gentleman on foot , followed by a single attendant , was seen advancing up the hill . As this person drew nearer , the crowd stopped their clamour , and bent forward with eager looks .