noon
In eight days there came back my messenger , saying that he , the boy , would follow on , and would probably be at the hall to-morrow morning early . So it was . While I was yet in bed I heard the barking of dogs in the courtyard , and the cracking of whips , and the voices of the men calling to one another , and the clatter of their wooden shoes on the stones . I sent word that he should at once be taken to Father Cefron if so be that Father Cefron was awake ; and he went quickly and I did not see him at all till after noon that day . Then , as I rose from my meat -- the men had already trooped out of the hall , their dinner over -- there entered through the tapestried door a tall , broad-backed , narrow hipped , slim-limbed , youth , who held his head high , and bore eyes full of laughter under his wild light hair . `` My Lord Olaf , '' he said , extending his hand , `` I ask your pardon for coming late to my meat ; but good Father Cefron has wanted me with him . I have been much with him since a child , you know . ''