midday
`` Oh , not at all , '' replied the innkeeper grimly . `` If you question enough , you are sure to meet some one who will make you a suitable answer . '' The landlord , seemingly not liking the turn of the conversation , disappeared , and during the rest of the meal they were waited upon by a lowering , silent woman , who scowled savagely at them , and made no reply to the raillery of the king , who was in the highest spirits . They had ridden far that morning since breakfasting , and it was well after midday when they drew away from a table that had been devoted to their satisfying . Sir David and Flemming showed little inclination to proceed with their journey . `` The poor beasts must have a rest , '' said the poet , although none of the three were horsemen enough to go out and see how the animals fared at the hands of the stableman . The king was accustomed to be waited upon , and the other two knew little and cared less about horses .